On Star Wars.com, a couple of preview cards have been announced alongside the announcement that Topps will be producing Widevision cards for Episode II. The set is due in stores this November, and you can check out the preview images at the official site.

Sure it isn’t Star Wars. Sure, we’re fanning the flames of another rumor-fire. But you’ll probably be interested just the same that Ain’t It Cool News is reporting that Paramount is prepping the original Indiana Jones films for a DVD release

Of course, be sure to take this with a grain of salt… while AICN is the source of some fantastic early reports and sometimes notable preview screening reviews, these are the same people that gave us a rather laughable Episode III Obi-Wan makeup test image. Still, it makes us hopeful.

That’s right, we finally havea photo of what the pack-in for the Clone Trooper Pilot will look like. We have known for a while that the upcoming Clone Trooper Pilot would come with a turret to add on to the Republic Gunship. Thanks toAmerican Dream Comics you can see them hereand here.

The highly amusing laugh-fest Austin Powers: Goldmember has proven an old dog doesn’t need too many new tricks to delight and amuse, pulling in over $70 million this weekend. Of course, since this is a Star Wars site, we checked Box Office Mojo for the latest on AOTC, and the film pulled in an estimate $800,000 for the weekend. This puts the second-to-last Star Wars film at a hair above $297 million.

During this evening’s toy run, several Jango Fett room alarms were spotted at a few different Wal-Marts in the Phoenix area. Each store’s price varied, but was within the realm of pennies under $29.99. If you’re still hunting for this one, it appears they are continuing to ship.

Rebelscum posted news on the new Silver Anniversary Silver R2-D2 figure from Hasbro. The newsbrief discusses a timeframe and quantity, and from the sound of things, it won’t be too hard to get an all-silver Astromech of your very own.

“Check out your local grocery and department stores for the new full size metal Star Wars lunch box from thermos. Its black with the Star Wars title and features similar Ep.2 Villains and Hero images as seen on recent T shirts and collectable tins. It includes a small Tupperware type container as well as a plain white thermos.”

After receiving numerous sightings of the Millennium Falcon Playskool set, we’ve finally gotten the first of the “Arena Adventures” package based on Attack of the Clones from reader Michael:

“I was at the KB at Opry Mills in Nashville, TN today and found a new Playskool set that I didn’t even realize was coming out. It was an Episode 2 set that included the Reek, Mace Windu, Anakin and a Geonosian Warrior. It was carded similar to the Hoth and Endor sets.”

Fans of all things vintage are in for a treat, as some particularly cool late-1980s entries have been added to the Star Wars Collectors Archive. See some Droids companion figures, original box artwork from Brazil, and some other great goodies!

“Here is the word on the Star Tours figures. I got this information from the manager of the new “Once Upon a Toy” store at Downtown Disney here in Orlando. They did a soft launch of the store, which officially opens Thursday, August 1st.

I was down there today to buy the droids, which they had in great supply. There were three, and ONLY three available at this store. I asked the manager about a 4th one that was supposed to be out and he told me that they had only the three and that ‘if these things sell well, there are 3 or 4 waves, of three figures in each wave, that will be issued, one wave about each quarter.’

Here’s the ones I got today. R3-D3, G2-4T and RX-24 (“Rex”) Rex was in the shortest supply as not surprisingly he is the star droid of the Star Tours ride at Disney/MGM.

Anyway thought you might to know since there seems to be some confusion about how many of these figs are actually out.

Disney Land might have a different story, but this is the official word out of Orlando from the manager of the new toy store here.”

From the rumor mill, multiple waves of exclusives are a strong possibility. While many have asked, we still don’t know when the Fan Club will begin offering these figures. Some have called the Fan Club to ask, and we’d like to remind our readers that phone representatives of the Fan Club and other companies aren’t always privy to the information available elsewhere, so don’t always expect the most up-to-date information from a phone rep.

KBToys.com now has the 12″ Exclusive Red and Yellow Clone Troopers back in stock along with a host of other new figures if you are still looking for any. They also have the 12″ Ultimate Jango Fett in stock.

GameStop stores were next on the list to receive Wave 2 of the Star Wars Unleashed figures, selling the plastic statuettes for $16.99 per. A Phoenix area store received a case with two each of Padme, Anakin, and Darth Vader. (For the curious, it was the Arrowhead Mall location.)

A bit of a surprise with Anakin: he’s got interchangable hands!

We’ve heard from a few readers that some unscrupulous dealers have been telling them Padme is going to be recalled. Not true, kids, it’s just another one of those nasty things that have become known as “Internet rumors.” But looking at the sluggish sales of the initial two figures, any rumor to boost sales might be a good thing.

I just got the SCOUT TROOPER WEAPONS SET at target, and my figure has his croth part backwards. See the pic. Is this how it is manufactured, or is this a potential error that will be fixed later….”

He sent us this image, and there’s definitely something screwy with the image. While a single error like this typically isn’t newsworthy, I took a look atRebelscum and elsewhere, and their packaged samples appear to be the same way. We don’t expect this to be fixed if it’s a widespread error, which, it appears, it most certainly is.

Reader redtwo3 sent in his impressions of a new commercial for Clones toys…

“Just thought I’d let you know that I just saw a new commercial this morning on the Cartoon Network for some of the new Ep. II toys. The commercial was for the Nexu and the deluxe Yoda. The commercial basically just showed what each of their action features were. The play features for the Yoda look really cool.”

While examining the new Toys “R” Us Exclusive X-Wing Fighter for an upcoming feature on this site, we discovered an answer to an oft-asked and never-answered question: “Is this a new R2-D2 or a remake?”

The answer: a little bit of each. The figure’s sculpt is, without a doubt, the Episode I figure R2-B1. There’s distinctive markings on the dome and body that are fairly minor, but easy to see if you know where to look. Also, there’s the copyright date, which still reads “2000” and this was the only bipedal R2-style Droid figure released in or since 2000.

Just thought you might like to know that. The full review of the X-Wing toy should be ready early next week… and it’s far more impressive than any review has revealed thus far. There’s quite a few undocumented features that will make a lot of you go after this one, and we plan to show you the whole ball of wax.

GameSpot posted their impressions of the upcoming PlayStation2 and GameCube adventure game. Temeura Morrison and Leeanna Walsman (Jango & Zam from the film) lend their voices to the game, and quite a few details listed make it sound like it could be a fantastic product. Of course, you never know, and the preview doesn’t make any judgement calls on the game’s overal quality. (Mostly because it isn’t done yet.) But anyway, if you’re curious about this title, check the preview out.

To start, we’ve got some happy news from Hasbro UK…10 Jorg Sacul Figures to be Won
Ten lucky, randomly selected members of HasbroJedi.co.uk will receive a Jorg Sacul figure! Even though it’s only open to residents of the UK, well, those in the UK would probably be interested in this.

And at Star Wars.com…The Clone Wars Begin
Nine new databank entries have been added, including a plethora of weapon droids, Clones, vehicles, and more. If the gadgets of the Battle of Geonosis are something you’d like to read up on, be sure you don’t miss this installment.

We just got in the Playskool Falcon, and we have the Ki-Adi-Mundi & Han Endor waves in stock. Also taking pre-orders for shipment late next week:
Deluxe Yoda & C-3PO, SW Trilogy Action Fleet, Acklay Beast & more!

With the help of Innis at the Jawa.com and Joe from Joetoy.com a joint venture article was written to help fellow collectors interested in collecting the second generation unproduced oval commtech chips both loose and on the card. Innis and the Jawa will be hosting a chat to talk about the unproduced commtech chips this Friday at 8 P.M. EST, so stop by as it should be a good chat! You can check out the article by going here: Unproduced Commtech Chip Guide
Drop us a line to let us know what you think! 8>)

A scan sent to TheForce.Net’s Episode II Area reveals a new release date for Episode II– apparently, November 12, which is slightly earlier than previously speculated. If this list is for real, you can see dozens of other release dates, including Monsters Inc., Crocodile Hunter (but why?), and a few others.

So for now, pencil in November 12 as the day for which you’ll need $20 set aside. Based on early info leaking, it’s going to be a killer two-disc set.

Two Star Wars Xbox titles, Starfighter and Jedi Starfighter, have been spotted at lowered prices of $17.88 and $37.88 respectively at a Phoenix area Target. If you’re interested in these two titles, be sure to take a detour to the electronics section on your next toy run. They were marked “Temporary Price Cuts,” and those aren’t always national deals, so your mileage may vary.

“I haven’t seen this reported yet, but I noticed this morning that the a Wal-Mart on Bell Road, Glendale AZ had the ‘Falcon, X-wing and Advanced TIE (AKA Darth Vaders TIE). Does not appear to be any figures. The Falcon looks very “dirty” compared to my recollections of the previous version.”

I have been getting reports from across the Country of Targets putting out their 4 exclusive accessory sets. The price is $9.99. Some of the reports have indicated that the stores are not “supposed” to put these out yet, but a lot of Targets are stocking early.

Subscribers have started receiving the newest issue of the Star Wars Insider. Yoda’s intent stare on the cover hides several features, including what the colors on Clone Troopers mean, features on some of the handmaidens and Celebration II, and even a feature showing tons of the upcoming Sith Rising card set. All in all, a worthy read, so watch your newsstands and mailboxes!

Star Wars EP2 Epic Duels (Item# HG40406, $24.99) game plays out what all Star Wars fans dream about — who is the greatest Star Wars warrior of all time? What would happen if the Force was no longer divided? Jedi Knights could battle each other… Sith Lords could challenge one of their own. What if classic battles could be recreated and have completely different endings?

Box Office Mojo is reporting that Attack of the Clones pulled in about $1.125 million this weekend, bringing the total to roughly $295,725,000. Coming in at 16th place this weekend, the Clones still have a little fight left in them, and the movie seems on track to break $300 million in a few weeks.

While it’s still not confirmed as an isolated fluke or a widespread thing, my local K-Mart had a wide variety of Star Wars products marked down to half price– this includes vehicles, beasts, puzlles, and Lego products. If you’re in the market for a few AOTC-themed items, it may be worth your while to see what your K-Mart has in store for you.

The widely gabbed about and fully functional R2-D2 due this Fall is the subject at this new post at Hasbro’s US Star Wars site. While the blurb doesn’t have much info in and of itself, they do mention a new site, R2 Droid Factory.com. While there isn’t much of anything there now, it should give a rundown on the toy as it gets closer to release.

With Every Question for Justice, our twice-a-week Q&A column, has been updated with all sorts of fun questions, looking at such varied topics as the upcoming Saga Tusken Raider, the marketability of Star Trek toys, and of course, the oft-delayed Marmit line of Star Wars model figures. Read up, and be back Thursday for another installment!

The final trio of Power of the Jedi figures still show up in some isolated areas, but not everywhere. If you missed out on the last series of figures, we’d like to point you to our advertisers at D&S Sci-Fi Toy World. They have a set of all 3 at $24.99, which is pretty close to the cost at most retail establishments at the time of their release.

Other items of note inclued the newly released Playskool Falcon Playset ($28.99) and the Fan Club Stormtrooper 4-pack ($18.99.)

A fourth figure has been revealed at American Dream Comics. DL-X2 is shown here for the first time, the fourth of the ongoing series of Star Tours toys.

The initial rumor nearly a year ago called for six figures and a vehicle, and so far, it seems to be following that pattern. So don’t be too surprised if a new Protocol Droid repaint shows up in the coming weeks…

This Party’s Over
The only official update this time around contains 8 new or updated entries on the Jedi from the latest of the Star Wars films. Read all about Stass Allie and other favorites! It even explains that no new footage of Adi Gallia was shot for the new flick… enlightening stuff, if you keep up on this sort of thing.

At 179 signatures, our attention has been drawn to a Dorme petition. While some of us feel that it is a wee bit early to have petitions for Prequel-based character figures. Still, there are worse choices for figures than a new Naboo Handmaiden, a type which we really haven’t seen much of to date.

“I just found 3 of the Playskool Millennium Falcons at my local KB in Huntsville Alabama today (7/19). It was a nice looking set but I didn’t get it.The price is 27.99. I also saw some 12″ clone troopers in the 2 assorted the flavors: strawberry and lemon.”

Rebelscum has posted carded photos of the upcoming Lott Dodd and Tusken Raider with Massiff. To say the least Lott Dodd is sweet— we finally have a Nemodian with a removable hat– miter in this case. Customizers are going to love this figure to make the Nemodian dignitaries from the occupied Theed Palace.

Robert of Jedimodeler.com let us know the review and preview sections of their site are up and running, so if you’d like some more information on the Fine Molds kits out of Japan, you can find it here.

“Hi, i just wanted to pass this on to you.I ordered an AOTC Deluxe Mace Windu w/Battle Droid from The Entertainer (http://www.thetoyshop.com) and i was really surprised when i received it today. The Battle Droid in the set is bright red. Not brown as it is supposed to be, but red. So apparently, the new version is also shipping to Europe.

I wanted to include a pudu scan for your viewing enjoyment, but the bubble was too big, so it ended up being a big bright lighty thing..”

“Stormtrooper Replica
THE LAST ONE! After this one is sold, we’ll never see another one! Standing six feet tall, this full-size, fiberglass replica features all the components of the stormtrooper from head to toe.
Item Number: DP82022
Price: $5,000.00″

One of the most commonly asked questions is “hey, where can we find those groovy instructions for the Lightsaber Remote Control?” While it can be found merely by punching in the words “lightsaber instructions” in our search box, well, apparently people aren’t finding it. So to those of you who do need them, please follow this link to a PDF file documenting how to operate this particular instrument.

Holographic Artist: Philip Metschan
Wondering what goes in to the designing of the various images of light in the Star Wars Universe? Wondering why many of the holographic transmissions look like the finest special effects 1977 had to offer? Find out in this new update!

ShowBIZ Data posted a brief story on how the clones attacked the opening-weekend record in Japan, earning $13.8 million, beating out the recent Harry Potter flick. For the full scoop, check out the article.

While future plans for the line are unknown, these are truly diamonds in the rough in this era where low-priced, high-grade model kits are a rare commodity. While we have mentioned these in the past, we continue to get questions about such items, and well, these are the only kits we know of– based on vehicles– coming out at this time.

And lastly, we have yet to hear of any information regarding US distribution of these kits.

With the help of Innis from the Jawa.com and some images provided by Joe at Joetoy.com a list has been started compiling what is known of the unproduced second generation of commtech chips. The task of creating the list is quite large, but as a preview of the list I uploaded a sample page of the unproduced Gungan Warrior chip. To view this chip just hit the prototypes link located to the right on the main page. From there head out to the Sample Mock-Ups section of the site, to go check out the preview. As an extra incentive to preview the page I included some small but interesting information on a different character’s chip that was planned but cancelled from production. A big thanks in advance goes out to Innis at the Jawa.com website, and Joe at the Joetoy.com for the help and image usage. Check out both of those sites to view some carded examples. Finally, a big thanks goes out to Jordan Hembrough and Hollywood Heroes for helping to obtain the chips and information used to compile this list. Drop him an email at Hheroes007@aol.com if you are interested in purchasing some of the unproduced chips

Those who read our Q&A column may have seen the debate regarding the unusual image of the Endor Rebel Trooper and what may (or may not) be Luke’s lightsaber. Well, courtesy of several of our very astute readers, we now know that it is, most likely, Luke’s weapon. Take a look at the following two publicity images:

The trooper from the figure package is clearly seen in both pictures, but more clearly on the second one– why they’ve “caught” Luke is beyond us, but hey, there it is. (And take note, he doesn’t have a beard.)

Of course, this leads to the question of the figure’s packaging: will it be changed if/when the variant head finally shows up? Frankly, we don’t know, but we don’t think so. The trooper in the photo is not the same guy the on which the figure is based, so they might as well just leave it.

Extra big special thanks to readers Jeremy and Miles, and the others who directed us to this rarely seen pair of images!

“I was checking out the latest assortment to hit the shelves and noticed that the regular (not deluxe) Count Dooku had a “fix” of sorts. His cape has been modified so that it hangs better on the figure (around the neck). My original Dooku’s cape had a bad habit of falling off and they seemed to have corrected the newer ones that are now coming out. The two ends now touch or overlap, keeping the cape wrapped around Dooku’s neck.”

Of course, this also means Count Dooku is shipping again– so keep your eyes open if you’re still looking for him.

The Box Office Mojo is reporting that Attack of the Clones estimated weekend box office take is $1,280,000.00, for a gross to date of $293,815,000.00. That puts Clones into 13th place on the all time domestic gross list– displacing The Sixth Sense which ended its run at $293,506,292.

Browsing the ads of the major ‘marts, department stores, and electronics stores this week, we found one deal of note to share:

Target Stores have the PlayStation 2 Starfighter game (along with Onimusha and Red Faction) on sale for $18. While it’s not a vastly significant markdown from the usual price ($20-$30), it is a bit of a break.

In looking over our samples of the 2002 Star Wars Hallmark Ornaments released thus far (Death Star, Jedi Luke, Darth Vader) we noticed that they include a trading card-sized gift card with a picture of the ornament on one side and a place to write “to/from” on the back. So for those of you who are jonesing for some new trading cards for your collection, keep an eye out for these.

We will be showcasing the cards, ornaments, and packaging of these three items over the next week.

Congratulations to Preston Gower, our the winner in our latest Ultarama give-away. Be sure to enter our next drawing here. Remember to be eligible to win, your entry must include your name, address, and E-mail– also you can only enter once for each drawing.

Your local Hallmark store has been gearing up for today’s big Premiere event– the majority of their 2002 line will go on sale, which includes several new Star Wars releases. While not all of them will be available today, you can pick some up– with some stores offering special Premiere deals, such as giveaways, discounts, and more!

Insider Subscription Update
Find out about where to find new Star Wars RPG adventures, and where you can find out about subscription information for the Insider.

Return to Tatooine
Browse the Databank’s latest ten updates, including Beru Whitesun, the Massiff, and many others. Of particular note to those who follow the toys is the Massiff’s entry, which re-confirms their being native to both Geonosis and Tatooine.

Why a Curved Handle?
Doug Chiang answers the question bugging so many fans these days: Just why was Count Dooku given such a unique weapon?

We first heard of this from Andy at Hasbro at Celebration II, and now we’ve got word that a new variation has hit the streets from Reader Mike:

“I was putting off buying an Anakin Hangar Duel because I had heard about crummy magnets. Well I finally bought one, and guess what? No magnet, just a peg. I hadn’t heard of this variation yet, so I was wondering if anyone else had come across it.”

This was, of course, due to the ultra-weak magnet that’s been made fun of on the Internet and even lambasted by Jay Leno during Hayden Christensen’sTonight appearance. So it’s no real surprise.

Master Replicas LLC brings you the only licensed recreation of Yoda’s lightsaber,fully authorized and endorsed by Lucasfilm Ltd. Limited to 2,500 worldwide. Recreated from original Lucasfilm archival materials, this replica is uncanny in its accuracy to the lightsaber seen on-screen in “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.” This lightsaber has an especially distinctive look with the replicas’ size and elegance reflective of Yoda’s unique stature. Constructed from durable machined and die-cast metal components, each replica is hand-assembled and finished.

Dimensions (6.3″ L x 1.65″ H x 1.15″ W) and weight (approximately 1 pound) are to scale for the original prop. A museum quality walnut and acrylic display case is included. Finished dimensions are subject to change. Numbered and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Also available is the Star Wars Battleship (Item# HG40804, $58.99) gamefeatures 4 different games as well as solo play or playing with another player. Voice commands guide you through missions. Laptop design folds up to store all game components. 3 “AA” batteries required, not included. Ages 8 and up. 1 or 2 players.

The large vinyl figures, which are apparently either a highly shared exclusive or a very limited wide release, have shown up at sponsors Enertainment Earth:

***10 inch Star Wars Roto Figures In Stock***

The new Star Wars 10 inch Roto Figure Asst. (Item# HS26493A, $67.99) has arrived! This case of 6 figures includes the “edgiest” heroes from “Attack of the Clones,” Mace Windu and Anakin Skywalker, boasting great attitude (both in character personality and figure sculpting). Rounding out the assortment is removable helmet Jango Fett, the ultimate villain from the new film, and Darth Vader of classic Trilogy fame with lightsaber and cloth cape.

Proving that Q&A can be a useful resource for readers the world over, we’ve gotten a few responses regarding the availability of the Jango Fett Room Alarm! First, from Reader Scott:

“FAO Schwarz here in Troy, MI had quite a few of them just last week.”

From reader Dan:

“I saw it last month when I was at FAO in Vegas. They had quite a few. It was priced at $34.99. I ended up passing on it, since I assumed it was due out all over and I know FAO tends to run a bit high, plus I didn’t have to carry two back on the plane.”

And reader Eric had this to say:

“FAO Chicago has the Jango room alarm. I saw it while attending a “Star Wars Collector” special event hosted by Steve Sansweet last Sunday. He too was looking for one.”

Since FAO also got the Darth Maul Figure with Sith Speeder Tiger Games in the USA, it seems to be a good place to look for some of the harder-to-find items. Thanks to all who wrote in, and happy hunting!

Today, we start at Hasbro US…Exclusives….And Where to Find Them…
Hasbro listed pretty much all of the exclusives on tap for 2002, including those already made available. Of particular interest is the 12″ Ki-Adi Mundi listed as “available now…” while we have heard of it showing up in a few special venues, the Fan Club doesn’t have it yet.

New US, German, and French Fan Magazines
See new covers of the Star Wars Insider and some great foreign-born magazines! For what’s coming in the Insider #61 and more, be sure to check out this feature.

Time between II and III?
Rick McCallum answers the question of just how much time will pass betweenAttack of the Clones and the as-of-yet unnamed third Star Wars episode.

Rebelscum is reporting that there will be a second wave to Wal-Mart’s Cantina exclusives. In addition to Greedo, Hammerhead, and ponda baba from the first wave, we WILL get Kitik Keedkak, as well as retooled versions of Wuher and Dr. Evazan. The second wave should hit this fall!

With Every Question for Justice has been updated today with 10 new answers & questions for your amusement. We’ve received word that some old Q&A updates don’t load for some reason or another on certain browsers… we will try to fix this over the coming weekend.

(And in unrelated toy dork news, the new Masters of the Universe toys are showing up and pretty nice. Hooray!)

What may be the real insert for the upcoming release of Episode II has appeared at a website called Latino Review. If it’s real, preliminary work, or simply a hoax, well, we don’t know.

The features are, to say the least, extensive. Highlights: Feature-Length Commentary with George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Ben Burtt, and other talented individuals in Lucas’ employ, eight deleted scenes (not identified), several documentaries, and the usual compliment of website content, trailers, and more are listed on the insert. If this is an accurate reflection of the disc’s content, it’s doubtful anybody will be disappointed.

If this is a hoax, however, I would like to personally give kudos to the genius who whipped up the insert. The style and typeface is very similar, if not identical, to that used for the Episode I DVD set. If for no reason other than to kill some time at lunch today, be sure to give Latino Review a visit to see this particularly interesting document.

UPDATE: These have since been removed… apparently, they’re the real deal!

Many of you have pointed us to this eBay auction for a boxed quartet of previously released Power of the Jedi figures. While the plans for this item’s distribution– if any– are unknown, you can bid on this items before it ends in the very near future. It’s currently at over $100.

Posted to Star Wars.com…Desktop Wallpaper: Clone Pop
Despite being dated December 21, 2001, this feature has new wallpaper from the various “college” campaigns from Episode II. Other wallpaper, including similar, trilogy-based graphics, are also available.

Infinities Strikes Back
If you’re wondering what the Empire Strikes Back Infinities series is all about, this informative update is just what the doctor ordered. Find out what transpires in this new elseworlds limited series…

…and a press release posted on The Raving Toy Maniac notes that many Warner Bros. licenses formerly held by Hasbro, including Batman and Superman, have been snapped up by Mattel. While Mattel’s action figure presence has been thin in recent years, save for the brief run of its Rock-Em Sock-Em Robots toy line and just-starting-to-arrive Masters of the Universe, this move does denote a significant change in the playing field that is the Male Action Toy market segment.

Let Wisdom of the Force Yoda (Item# HS71099, $25.99)http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS71099 guide you through the ways of the Force and the questions that trouble you. Ask Yoda a “yes” or “no” question and he will use his skills and knowledge of the Force to answer you. But be mindful, the Force is always in motion. Answers may not always be what you seek, but instead what you need. “May the Force be with you.”

In the new issue of Tomart’s Action Figure Digest (#100), you can find what seems to be the only image of the boxed Obi-Wan & Starfighter set. It’s packaged in a nice window box and while it was originally slated to be a K-Mart exclusive, this seems to have changed. Still, it’s neat, and we’ll let you know as soon as we find out who will be selling it.

It appears only the packaging is new, the toys are identical to the original Jedi Starfighter and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Jedi Starfighter Pilot.)

Rebelscum posted a Q&A transcript with Andy from Wizard World this past weekend… it has some new and notable news, so be sure to check it out for confirmations on many of the rumors we’ve heard lately.

From Star Wars.com…Hasbro Summer 2002 Preview: Part 2
More new, some previously unseen, official photographs of upcoming product. Highlights include the Flying Geonosian, the first images of Episode II Action Fleet like the AT-TE Walker and the Solar Sailer, the Toys “R” Us 12″ Luke and Tauntaun, and several other great items. Calling this update significant is an understatement, so be sure to check it out.

Fan Club and Insider Update
Apparently the Insider is once again under new management… and Star Wars Gamer has been given the axe. This update gives the lowdown on the new who’s who of the Fan Club, so don’t miss this one, either.

StarWars.com published dozens of new, clean, official pictures of upcoming items to be released in the near future. See the new deco on the Action Fleet Naboo Starfighter, see Force Flipping Anakin, and see the Wal-Mart Momaw Nadon Cantina set! And yes, even more! Be sure to check it out.

The Raving Toy Maniac posted a barrel of updates including the Star Wars stuff you’re seeing elsewhere along with new Joes, TransFormers, and other action figure toys due in the near future. Be sure to have a look-see!

With Every Question for Justice has been updated with answers to questions like “just who approves Star Wars merchandise at LucasFilm?”, “Is the new Ki-Adi Mundi just the old one?”, and “Where are the plastic Hyperspace Rings for Jedi Starfighters?” The next update will be up on Thursday morning, so get those questions in!

“I don’t know how widespread this is sinc I haven’t seen it mentioned elsewhere. A Wal-Mart near me has clearanced all of their Star Wars Saga figures. The sign by the figures was not the usual generic clearance tag with the price hand written but a printed tag that said “All Star Wars EPII figures $3 were $4.77″. The sign does say EPII but I guess since they are all on the same card now they included all Saga figures. We are always the last to receive stuff so the newest figures they had were Luke Bespin wave but they were all 3.00.”

This appears to be a limited in scope so far, but if your Wal-Mart is running the sale, let us know! Wal-Mart clearance prices (and clearance items) vary by location.

The new Han Solo Endor has a variation on the belt clip on his left side. This is the lever that activates the fast draw action. Shown in this picture it is silver. I have confirmed that the new version that is shipping is the silver, and that the original version is ehite. I have both versions so I know they are out there. I hope to have a good image up soon. If you have one already and would like us to post it, drop me an email.

The Box Office Mojo is reporting that Attack of the Clones took in about $3.6 million over the July 4th holiday, for a total domestic gross to date of $291,164,000. The revised domestic total puts Clones just past the Empire Strikes back for the 14th slot on the all time chart. Judging from E2’s performance to date, it looks like it will rise to 13th sometime during coming week, and will certainly top $300,000 before it’s theatrical run ends.

Reader Matt has chimed in with one of the first reports on this fairly significant running change:

“Just wanted to let you know that I actually found the RED Battle Droid with Deluxe Mace Windu at a Target in Irvine, California last night. I really wish I had a digital camera to send you a picture, but I don’t. Sorry, but I promise you that they are out there now, so advise your readers to start their searches if they’re into the variant kind of thing. Take care and keep up the great site!”

Two auctions, one for the Deluxe Yoda and one for Deluxe C-3PO have carded photos of the upcoming Deluxe Yoda and C-3PO. These should be out here in a month or so, but here’s some info on the figures’ features: C-3PO will connect to the droid factory on the back of the arena playset. The flying Geonosian’s hive will also connect to the playset!

While we’ve been treated to a few price breaks here and there, Target stores have marked quite a bit of Star Wars non-action figure product down roughly 30%. Larger Lego sets, puzzles, Tiger Electronics, and more are starting to get the orange tags, so if you’ve been waiting on a few items, now’s a good time to start buying.

Sir Steves Guide’s Wizard World Coverage has photos of the packaging for the upcoming Republic Gunship. The back of the package clearly shows the upcoming Clone Trooper Pilot Figures in the Gunship cockpit here, and the Deluxe Clone Speeder here.

“Might be old news, but I have not seen anything posted about these. I got the Star Wars Unleashed figs, Darth Maul, Jango/Boba Fett and Anakin Skywalker at the Walmart here in Altamonte Springs. $14.96 each and they had a nice supply.”

Today’s All-American-Except-When-It-Isn’t Update of With Every Question for Justice is up and online for your enjoyment for this long weekend… unless you don’t have a long weekend, in which case you can just enjoy it as per usual.

IGN posted a feature on what they’re hoping to see on the Attack of the ClonesDVD. While it is just speculation– and the rough menu mock-ups give new meaning to the phrase “cranked out”– it’s still fun to read. Give it a gander if you’ve got a few.

Want to See Some New Product from Hasbro?July 2, 2002 | 8:36 PM EST | Bill

Hasbro’s Republic News has just updated with Hasbro’s convention appearances for the summer. They promise to unveil more standard and deluxe figures, and to bring samples of the Republic Gunship and the Arena Playset to the conventions. Click here for more!

GameSpot posted an article with new images from the upcoming PlayStation 2/GameCube game. 18 hours of gameplay and a whole magic bag of goodies are included in the new title, so check out this feature for the latest on November’s high-profile Star Wars game.

Track Your Collection at The Cargo Bay
The Star Wars merchandise database has countless products and now boasts a wishlist… so you can give loved ones an oh-so-subtle hint when it comes time to give you a gift.

Is that Qui-Gon?
Was that Qui-Gon talking in Attack of the Clones? Ben Burtt dishes the skinny.

Ahh, Mondays in Summer. Is there any better time to enjoy With Every Question For Justice alongside a piping hot mug of coffee? We dare say that our ten questions and answers can be enjoyed in many different ways, but nothing beats reading a column on small plastic men before work. More Thursday.

Gamorrean Jedi.com posted a very readable, very visual feature on what smoke can do to your action figures. There’s a few goofy images, and while it’s possible the yellowing could have also come from the light, we’ve never seen POTF2-era figures quite this yellow. Be sure to check it out.

While that may not mean much to some of you, it will interest many of you. The Plano 3700 tackle box is basically a clear (or clear-ish) plastic case with movable dividers that’s ideal to hold most (but not all) Star Wars action figures from 1978-present, barring a fair number of Saga releases. Each one can hold about 12 figures, and reader Scott has some good news on getting these on the cheap…

“I just came back from Wal-Mart (Columbus GA), and they had a big display of the Plano cases in bundles of 3 for 5$. Seeing as how they are usually about 4$ each, this is a great deal. The label has a 50th anniversary logo, so I guess its some kind of promotional deal. I know you have stated that you use these cases to store figures (like I do), so I just thought I would pass this along in case you plan to buy more soon.

By the way they were near the sporting goods section.”

As the kids say, w00t. While each and every collector will need to find a case suited to their needs, and not every case is ideal for every figure, this is certainly a good deal for the money involved.

The Box Office Mojo’s projections for Attack of the Clones weekend box office, put it at over $286 million to date. This puts Clones above Home Alone and just behind The Empire Strikes Back for 15th place.

First up, today’s Image Attack explains just why we got a Geonosian with Massiff toy set last month. And then there’s…

Let The Executions Begin
Today’s databank updates focus on the rocky world of Geonosis. Learn about the Reek, Orray, Poggle the Lesser, and several other aspects of the mud-and-bug planet.

Jedi Quest #4
Information on the upcoming Jedi Quest book, in which Anakin and Obi-Wan duel with some villain of no consequence.

Episode II in Cinefex
Bowing on July 8, issue #90 of Cinefex contains 58 pages of pictures and stories surrounding the production of Yoda, Clone Troopers, and the other countless denizens of the Star Wars Universe.

“Hi guys, I just wanted to tell you that I called to inquire about the Fan Club exclusive 12″. They told me that the initial announcement that Ki-Adi-Mundi would be up for presale next week has been changed. The procedure will be as follows. They will not be available for order until they actually have them in stock in August. Also those who bought a Fan Club membership at or around the time of the Celebration 2 will not receive the last issue of the Insider as the publishing company has a cut-off date. New subscribers will be receiving the next issue which I believe is #61.”

Fall Books for Young Readers
New storybooks, trivia guides, and more await youngsters this Fall, and one of them even includes a fabric patch! Cool stuff, for sure.

Clones Attack Spreads
This weekend, residents of Egypt, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic will be treated to the prequel sequel. For these dates, and the full list of international releases, be sure to read this feature.

For the curious, the final territory to receive the film appears to be St. Lucia on August 2.

Some fun trivia for fans of the Unleashed range of figures, now being spotted at speciality stores and Wal-Mart, amongst others.

At Wal-Mart tonight, the shelf tags for these particularly statuesque figures reads “Gen Y.” For those who didn’t know, the working name for these figures was “Generation Y,” and thankfully someone, somewhere in the Hasbro organization found a different (and dare I say superior) monniker for the dynamic plastic people.

While some of you may have seen it, those who haven’t may find this article atShowBIZ Data particularly interesting. In it, Steven Spielberg is quoted on why he won’t be directing Star Wars any time soon.

Lo and behold, the greatest answer ever given in “Ask the Jedi Council”…

Jedi Council: Ewoks on DVD?
Ewok movies and cartoons and Droids cartoons coming to DVD? After Episode III? Well, better late than never. Sure, they’re cheesy, but must-see materials for all fans… after all, the Max Rebo Band and Boba Fett appear in the Droids toons!

Young Fett in the Crossfire
Wondering what tale the second Young Boba Fett book, due this November, will tell? Find out in this update.

Rebelscum reported Toys “R” Us was to receive a chrome R2-D2 as part of a promotion later this year, and lo and behold, there’s one on eBay now, right here.

It comes on a cardback very similar to the Toy Fair Darth Vader from February, but there are differences. The paragraph indicating that Vader was a Toy Fair exclusive has been replaced with a big, bold “May the Force be with you!” and other small details have been moved around, which makes this look like a very real upcoming exclusive. Be sure to take a look, and we’ll have more on this piece as it develops.

Good morning, and welcome to Yakface.com! Today’s With Every Question for Justice Q&A update is up and a-ready to be read, and looks at questions of a 400th figure, Celebration II product, and Hem Dazon, plus others. Kindly check it out, and prepare for the next update, next Monday!

Several readers have sent in reports today of finding the new figures. Apparently Disney/MGM has sold through a few cases, and a few others, although the reports we’ve received thus far rarely have photos or information on which park they were found. So it seems they are starting to show up, but for some reason, the mail order division has opted not to sell them. (Leaving those of us who are hardly within a stone’s throw of one of their parks hoping for another solution soon.)

…in addition to this, Rebelscum has a reader report stating the figures have been pulled. It’s also possible they sold out… we’ll keep you posted.

After phone calls, emails, and more, it seems that Disney World didn’t have the two new exclusive droids just yet. While they are telling people they will be available exclusively at the theme parks, this has yet to be confirmed from Hasbro and/or the Fan Club. The expected release date to the theme parks is coming up, though, as they’re supposed to launch in the new Hasbro store at Walt Disney World in Florida.

At Star Wars.com…Pepsi Celebrates Episode II
Once again, the Japanese are treated to some pretty great figural bottlecaps, color soda cans, and other nifty display materials. There’s even new original trilogy caps, including Jabba the Hutt, so be sure to read up on one of the greatest promotions to which America will never be treated. While many of the caps are based on previously released toys, it’s still a very nicely done set.

Return to the Race in Jedi Quest #3
A brand new book for younger readers in which Anakin returns to race against Sebulba’s son. All this and more can be yours for the reading in Jedi Quest #3!

IN STOCK NOW!The Mace Windu (Item# DH11934, $44.99) Episode II Collectible Mini Bust
Mace Windu leaps off the screen and into your hands with this limited edition mini bust. This product is an authentic, licensed collectible designed and developed by Gentle Giant Studios. To assure 100% realism, Gentle Giant Studios three-dimensionally scanned the actors, costumes, and props as well as original uniforms and models from the LucasFilm Archives. This information was then processed, digitally output, and combined with traditional sculpting artistry to create the final sculpture, making these statues the closest one can come to owning a piece of the Star Wars universe.

Willrow Hood is identified on a Decipher Customizable Card Game Card, and of course there’s a nice image of him running with his ice cream maker. Currently, the petition to make this character is nearing its 500th signature, and now he even has a name.

While this is more or less a repeat of how Episode I started its DVD rumor/news campaign, people have written in to us, TheForce.net, The Digital Bits, and other web sites all reporting that the Media Play family of stores (including Suncoast and Sam Goody) has started to take preorders for the disc, taking anywhere from $3-$5 down for a November delivery. Although we should note, our own personal research shows not all stores are doing this, which may mean rogue managers are getting a head start on the preorder campaign for this roughly six-week-old film.

“Reported” (read: rumored) extras include multiple commentaries which may include actor participation, the typical THX certification, web documentaries, a new 60-minute feature on the making of the film, and of course deleted scenes.

Since Clones is still doing well in the theaters, pulling in millions every week, an official announcement could only hurt box office sales… then again, comments from LucasFilm have all but confirmed a 2002 delivery on this package.

In case you skipped the previous three paragraphs, nothing is official yet, but hopes are still high that LucasFilm will not let the 2002 holiday season pass without VHS and/or DVD editions of Clones being made available.

Box Office Mojo is reporting that the latest Star Wars film came in at number nine this weekend, with Minority Report and Lilo & Stitch opening at #1 and #2, respectively. For those keeping track, Attack of the Clones now has a domestic gross estimated at $279 million, meaning that while it will most likely hit $300 million, it may to take a little while to get there.

With Every Question for Justice has been updated with its typical question and answer regiment, in the usual 10-entry dosage. Questions on exclusives, petitions, Clones, and more abound in today’s edition.

Rebelscum posted information of how to obtain these figures this afternoon– surf on over for the details.

Since the Star Tours line was originally rumored last year, rumblings of them being a shared Disney/Fan Club exclusive have abounded. While we have no details about what the Fan Club plans to do with these, if anything, we will post the news as it comes in.

Congratulation to Daniel A. Peck the winner of our latest Ultarama Drawing. Be sure to send in your entry for our next drawing here. Remember to be eligible to win your entry must include your name AND address.

In this morning’s Best Buy ad, the PlayStation 2 title Starfighter has been added to the “Greatest Hits” series, which means that this game can be had for $19.99 at most stores now. Best Buy also has Rogue Leader for GameCube at $39.99, which is typical for most stores as of late.

Star Tours Capt. Rex Figure, Carded
One of a few auctions for a packaged sample of this figure, this may well mean they’re available or due very soon. They’re expected to be available in the all-new Hasbro store at Walt Disney World this summer, and then elsewhere.

Star Tours G2-4T Figure, Carded
Most likely a first look at the carded figure, which is available on Power of the Jedi-style packaging minus the POTJ logo.

From Hasbro US…Q3 and Q4 Release List
While there’s nothing on here that hasn’t been mentioned in our Celebration II Hasbro feature or the official site’s Cargo area, it does officially confirm a few new characters… but not too many. The new Destroyer Droid, Clone Trooper Pilot, Jango Fett Pilot, Watto, Lott Dod, and Tusken Raider are finally confirmed. Going by this list, there are only 12 figures left for release on 2002… so that doesn’t necessarily mean that this is a final list.

From Star Wars.com…Celebrate 20 Years of LucasArts
A special website on the history of what was once LucasFilm Games, a division of LucasFilm, has gone live. Nifty. (For the lay person, LucasArts is often the name used, incorrectly, for its parent company LucasFilm Ltd.)

Inside the Jedi Temple
A databank update with the names of many previously unknown Jedi– plus Yoda, Mace Windu, and the Bear Clan. Of particular note is alien Jedi Pablo-Jill, which I don’t believe has ever really been seen anywhere in detail before… but it seems this may be the Jedi frequently mistaken for the “Howard the Duck Jedi.”

Kay-Bee stores around the country are starting to receive the Chewbacca (Bespin), Han (Endor Raid), and Obi-Wan (Starfighter Pilot) figures for a paltry $4.99 each. If you’re still looking for this trio, be sure to stop by your local Kay-Bee toy store next time you visit the mall.

Some, but not all, Wal-Mart stores have started putting a significant portion of their toy aisles on clearance. While each region and location does things differently, here in Phoenix, we spotted individually carded figures at $1.50 (Bespin Guard, Ketwol) and Deluxe figures for just under $5 (Bacta Luke). While your mileage will vary, it’s something to keep an eye open for.

Other notable toys on clearance were Robots in Disguise two-pack Sideways and Axer for $6, sundry deluxe RID toys at $2-$3, and the lackluster Jimmy Neutron product line at rock-bottom prices.

Well, we’ve been getting reports that this puppy has been rearing its ugly head, (in a good way) around the USA! Yak-Reader “LsTCs3Boyz” writes to let us know, and to give us a small critique.

Hey! I just got the new Acklay arena battle beast earlier on from my local Wal-Mart in Cheyenne, Wyoming and let me tell you it is awesome!, except that his face is white instead of dark blue like it is on the box and in some of the pictures I’ve seen also one of his back legs is a bit loose but it’s nothing a little breaking in won’t fix.

Well, this one definitely ranks better than the “Ice Cream Maker” guy petition. (Even though I’d personally like to see more background characters… maybe not that one…). This one is for the more esteemed Jawa Sandcrawler, something of which Hasbro has ignored since POTF2 began. Check out the petition, and sign it if you’re so inclined. The text that will be going to Hasbro with all the signatures reads as such:

To: Hasbro Toys
We the undersigned, request that Hasbro Toys, make the Jawa Sandcrawler vehicle for their 3 3/4″ Star Wars Saga action figure line. We would like the toy to include two (2) exclusive action figures that have not been previously released. Some suggestions are CZ-3, R1-G4, M-Hyd Binary Droid, or LIN-V8K mining droid. We would also like the price point to remain under $30-40 price range. We aren’t asking for any electronics, just a great sculpt, paint job, and new action figures that probably wouldn’t get produced otherwise.

Rebelscum has posted the first images of both the upcoming Toys “R” Us Landspeeder and the Wal-Mart Cantina packs. The Landspeeder appears to be either all-new or heavily modified from its 1995 incarnation, and includes a slightly redecoed Floppy Hat Luke– sans Floppy Hat. In short, it looks pretty amazing.

The Cantina sections from Wal-Mart look pretty slick, as do the figures. Glasses are included, and Momaw Nadon looks like he’s been given a slight retooling so as not to be just another repackaged figure, while Greedo looks likea nice repaint and Ponda Baba finally has his slice-off arm. The fourth set– which is one of the three sections with an all-new alien– was not shown and it isn’t know for certain when– or if– it’ll be coming out. The sections themselves appear nearly identical.

GameSpot is reporting here that both the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises will be lampooned in the upcoming Treasure-developed game,Defenders of the Universe. While seeing such popular cultural mainstays parodied isn’t much of a surprise, we’re left wondering just why the heck a dead kid’s franchise like Tiny Toons is seeing a new game in 2002 when its last hurrah was over in 1995.

Wondering what Hasbro was thinking with the different peg and magnet combinations with the new Luke Skywalker figure? Rebelscum posted what they discovered from Hasbro, so if you haven’t snagged your version-of-choice yet, now you can find out which one’s due to go away next.

With Every Question for Justice has been updated with question and answers, on schedule, as per usual. (And if you have any idea how to pronounce Djas Puhr, do make sure you read today’s update as I’ve never heard that one out loud…)

On Star Wars.com…More Clones Openings
Bolivia, Samoa, and the Cook Islands get some Jedi lovin’ on June 20, with Panama, South Africa, Guatemala, and Honduras getting their first look at the Grand Army of the Republic on Friday.

Difference in Digital Version
Rick McCallum talks up the fact that there were, in fact, differences between the filmed and digital versions of Episode II. Find out what some of them are in this “Ask the Jedi Council” update!

On Hasbro US…
As mentioned earlier, the deluxe Yoda with Super Battle Droid was unveiled for the first time. While not new, the Playskool set of Arena Adventures (previously known as the Rampaging Reek) may be of interest to many of you, especially since it includes a little Mace Windu.

Tim over at From Bricks To Bothans posted the first official images of the upcoming scaled-down Ultimate Collector’s kit. With its chrome bricks and display stand, it’s very striking– surf on over for a look-see.

NOTE: Many of your emails seem to show that you believe we created this petition– we didn’t. Reader Scott set up the whole deal, the post below is just our announcing what he’s created. Back to your regularly scheduled news.

When it comes to petitions, it’s our policy to give a shout-out to those who manage to get at least 100 signatures. As we’re true to our word, here’s what reader Scott Pearson put together:

Hasbro’s Star Wars page has just posted a photo of the upcoming Deluxe Yoda in their Toy Showcase section. Click here for more.
For those who missed it earlier, Hasbro has also posted a photo of the upcoming Deluxe C-3PO which was shown at Celebration II last May.

From EU to Episode II: AAYLA SECURA
Learn all about the blue skinned Twi’lek Jedi who started life as a Dark Horse Comics character. She’s also coming out as an action figure in 2003, and should turn out great.

Tim over at From Bricks to Bothans got an official confirmation of a surprise new Lego set due to be sold from Lego Direct in the coming days. This new Naboo Starfighter is relatively cheap, and includes chrome bricks. Visit From Bricks to Bothans for the details.

“My web site, Bounty Hunters Domain, is having its one year anniversary today. To celebrate, I’m having a givaway for a Celebration II Jorg Sacul action figure! For all of the details, simply go to my site and click the Givaway button. Good Luck!”

Episode II Mexican Magazines
With the release date of Attack of the Clones mere days away in Mexico, the Official Site has posted covers and information from some magazines, including Sputnik, a technology mag, and an official magazine.

If you have been watching Amazon.com for the new Saga figures, you may have noticed that the pages for the figures used to have an option to enter your email address an receive an update when the figure became available. Several days ago this option was removed. Today Amazon sent out the following for all of the upcoming Saga figures (including the recently released Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Djas Puhr, Obi-Wan Jedi Star Fighter Pilot, Han Endor Raid, and Chewbacca Cloud City Capture):

“Greetings from Amazon.com.

We’ve recently learned from our supplier that the item you requested to be notified about, Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones Figure: __________(fill in name of the figure), will not be available in the foreseeable future.

It’s possible that someone may be selling this item through Amazon.com Auctions or zShops. We encourage you to search for it there if you’re still interested in purchasing this item…”

Since a few of these figures have already been released, with the others on the way, there’s obviously a bug in the system somewhere. These emails could be created via an altered SKU number, delays, or Amazon’s allocation of figures having been spoken for from pre-orders already. Rest assured, the figures have not been cancelled.

According to Box Office Mojo, Attack of the Clones took in roughly $9.2 million, bringing the film to an estimated domestic total of around $270,512,000. For information on the other films, including this weekend’s top grosser Scooby-Doowhich pulled in a surprising $56 million, visit Box Office Mojo.

After yesterday’s Target advert prices, we received a few reports from readers on what they found… first, here’s Dave:

“I went by Target this morning and the sales price tag by Star Wars figures stated a lower sale price of $4.79 each….”

Not to be outdone, here’s what reader Jake saw:

“i was at wal-mart in whitelake, MICH today and all the basic action figures have been marked to $4.77. i asked an associate if this was a sale price and he said it was the normal price now. they had also started recieving numerous shipments of the bespin vader and luke boxes of figures. happy hunting.”

So while the prices keep dropping, the gaps are shrinking. Toys “R” Us still has their stock at– usually– $4.99. Your mileage may vary.

“Just found the hard-to-find Boshek wave at Mediaplay. They had 3 each of Boshek, R4-M9 and Teebo at a steep $7.99 each but it beats inflated dealer prices. They just got these in store recently so it is possible they are still shipping from Hasbro.”

Here in Phoenix, I’ve spotted the BoShek wave at Suncoast, which has the same parent company as Media Play. Some other stores seem to be getting them, so cast those toy run nets wide– you might just find them yet!

Out Stormtrooper Figure Set arrived from the Fan Club yesterday, so this morning we have a brand-new YakFeature up! If you’re looking for a look at the figures and the box, look no further, as it’s right here!

From The Official Site…VES 2002: Magicians Speak
Wondering where you can hear ILMers talk up the animation made famous inClones? The schedule for the Visual Effects Society is up, so if you’re headed there this weekend, you might find the lits of guests and times useful!

From Hasbro UK…Imminent Arrivals
Information on Unleashed, and other figures as of yet unavailable in the United Kingdom. UK collectors, be sure to check this.

The awesome new Luke Skywalker Lightsaber with Case (Item# MRSW102A, $347.98) from Master Replicas is now in stock! Backorders will be filled first. This item is also available without (Item# MRSW102, $298.99) a case. Very limited quantities will be available. Order yours today!

If you have any questions, please contact us via e-mail (cs@entertainmentearth.com), FAX (1-818-255-0091) or phone (1-818-255-0090).”

A few readers have turned us on to American Dream Comics, a site that put upthis page with some nice shots from the front, back, and sides of two of the upcoming droids. Well worth a look if you’re among those waiting on pins and needles for these guys.

The Box Office Mojo’s projections put Episode 2 at $254,974.00– third place for the weekend (behind The Sum of All Fears and Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood). Spidey fell to sixth. AOTC’s weekend boxoffice should place it in 19th place on the list of the highest-grossing films of all time.

We are kicking off a series of updates to our diorama section with a new contributor. Sam’s dioramas include the Tantive, Yoda’s Hut, and several Death Star scenes. Click here for more and keep checking back throughout the week for more updates!

“Just wanted to pass along some info in regards to the Stormtrooper sets. I received an email from the Fan Club saying that mine had been shipped on May 31. After waiting patiently for a week (even though it was 3 day shipping), I received nothing. I called the Fan Club last night and found out that FedEx had lost a shipment of the sets and mine was included. Supposedly, they picked up the replacements yesterday. So, if anyone out there is expecting their Stormtrooper sets and haven’t received them, this could be the reason why.”

“A brand-new Star Wars custom each and every day? That’s what I’m delivering throughout the month of June. After a bit of a delay, I’m off and running with the 4th annual “Daily Custom Updates!” The DCU 2002 will run from now until July, with customs inspired from all over the Star Wars universe. Characters from the films, the comics, the video games, and even a few fan-fiction ones thrown in…the more obscure, the better!

In July, the spotlight will shift to other customizers who have “Joined the Alliance” as they debut their latest creations throughout that month. So if you’ve got a new custom that you want to show off, be sure to send it in!
There will be other new additions throughout the summer, so be sure to check back often to see the latest features at “The Largest Online Gallery of Star Wars Customs!”

Return To Naboo
Several databank entries having to with Naboo are highlighted today, including Captain Typho, the Naboo Yacht, Queen Jamilla, and several other character, vehicles, and locations. Be sure to give it a once-over for names of things you might have missed.

Finally! We have an extremely limited quantity of the all-new Han Solo Blaster (Item# MRSW101, $448.99) http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MRSW101 from Master Replicas In stock now! All backorders will be filled first. Please note that once our limited quantity sells out, no more units will be available! Order now!”

“As of Friday all K*B Toy Stores will have the new lower price of $4.99 on Star Wars Action Figures. Also don’t forget to use that $3.00 off coupon for totals over $15.00, Buy 3 figures at $4.99 = $14.97 ( That’s $0.03 short of the $15.00 But most will give you the $3.00 off) -$3.00 coupon = $11.97 That’s only $3.99 each figure after $3.00 off coupon. If you go to a store and the old price is still on the package, Don’t worry it will ring for the new price of $4.99.”

“I recently received the PRE-ORDERED 12″ KB exclusive red and yellow 12″ clone troopers to find them packaged in a box too small with no bubble wrap causing the plastic to be completely scuffed and scratched, huge shipping labels placed on the clear plastic (the only protection from getting scuffed), and the corners of the package so smashed it looked as if they were kicked into the box. Will someone please explain to the mindless drones who work in the KB Toy Distribution Center in Blairs, VA what a collectable item is. I didn’t expect to get them mint but neither did I like they sat 2 years on a clearance shelf two stores removed. The Mace Windu I ordered from Amazon.com came in a box twice the size with bubble wrap all the way around. Now that was a disappointing figure but sent by people who care.”

On June 7, 1952 actor Liam Neeson was born. Aside from playing Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn, you might remember him from roles in such films as Schindler’s List, Darkman, and The Haunting. He turns 50 today, and we give him our best wishes!

**Update**
If you order $25 or more use coupon codes 905652 for $5 off and 905650 for another $5 off. Thanks to William for the tip.

It seems, Hasbro is going to be releasing a new Star Wars Advanced Mission Battleship game in October. While there are no pictures yet, here is a link to some information on Amazon.
Also going to be available is the Collectible Star Wars Boxed Cardgame which consists of what looks to be single packs of many of the different, previously released Star Wars Decipher games.

Download the Palm OS Checklist
For the digitally connected, you can get a checklist for your Palm OS digital… pad… thingy. It’s also available in a printable form for your convinience. (But it’s only figures 0201 through 0230. And it’s a JPEG. Go figure.)

From Master Replicas…
Han Solo’s Blaster and Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber have both sold out. Some are still available at other retaillers, though, so best keep an eye open for these if you were looking to add them to your collection.

Finally! We have an extremely limited quantity of the all-new Han Solo Blaster (Item# MRSW101, $448.99)http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MRSW101 from Master Replicas In stock now! All backorders will be filled first. Please note that once our limited quantity sells out, no more units will be available! Order now!

With Every Question for Justice has been updated yet again today, with more of the questions that the readership has sent in– if you don’t see your questions answered in one of our recent updates, kindly send ’em in!

Robert of Edgewater ,NJ writes to us to let us know that his local Target has lowered the prices on Episode II figures to a more reasonable $4.99. He states that there were a lot of collection 1 figures, but mainly Regular and Super Battle Droids for army building. Good luck folks!

Wal-Mart.com has officially listed the Republic Gunship for preorder, and it’s looking pretty darn sweet! The price is $38.86, and is due for a mid-August release. To pre-order this pup, or just to get a gander, click here. The most impressive feature on this thing? It states on the ad that “Gunship can hold 2 pilots and 10 troopers”. Does that mean that there are more different Clonetrooper figures on the way? I’d like to think so!

Entertainment Weekly has a beautiful article posted with an interview with none other than Yoda himself, Mister Frank Oz. Frank tells in this article how he wrote a whole backstory for Yoda around the time of Empire before creating the puppet. Great reading, and probably as close to cannon as we’re going to get as to where the 900-year-old Jedi Master originally came from. Hop on over and check it out!

Rebelscum posted images of the upcoming Toys “R” Us exclusive Hoth Luke Skywalker with a Tauntaun. The beast has a cracked horn, just like in the movie, and Luke is also fairly beaten– although the bloody stuff looks a little low-budget. Be sure to check it out!

“Mexico’s Third Star Wars Convention is to be held at Mexico City on June 28-30, confirmed guests are Dave Prowse, Peter Mayhew, Veronica Segura (the actress who played Cordé), Steve Sansweet and Rick McCallum. This year the con is actually going to be held on a convention center (at last!, Centro de Convenciones Hipódromo de las Américas ) so it’s supposed not to be a disappointment for fans who visited the two previous events which had a lot of drawbacks. Tickets are aprox. 12 USD for the three day pass or 5 USD for each day, autographs are supposed to cost 10 USD.

Warning/Guarantee: X-Entertainment may use language deemed unsuitable for younger audiences. If you are sensitive to harsh language, you should skip this feature.

Retro/Nostolgia site X-Entertainment has posted up a backhanded tribute ofDroids, the 1985 ABC animated series, on its main page. If you saw it as a kid, or never had the chance to catch it, this article gives a pretty accurate review of what it’s like to see the show nearly 17 years later. If you only visit one page during your lunchbreak at work today, make it this one.

We’ve received reports from redtwo3, Anakin4325, trvann, and Tyler that their Fan Club Stormtroopers arrived early– since some of these readers opted for FedEx shipping, that means the rest of us can probably expect ours to show up shortly.

If the recent press release about Hasbro’s new store at Walt Disney World wasn’t enough, Rebelscum discovered this page at Disney UK that shows a kid playing with Captain Rex and, if our eyes don’t deceive us, there’s a carded one in the background. Considering these have supposedly been in development for some time, it’s not unthinkable that they would be released in Power of the Jedi style packaging… but, of course, very little in the way of official information exists on these items.

With Every Question For Justice, Yakface’s own Q&A column, has been updated with ten questions and answers for your informationizin’. And yes, we’ll be updating again later this week, so kindly stay tuned true believers!

Rebelscum just posted that The Official Site’sCargo Bay has just announced a number of new figures: Clone Trooper, Republic Gunship Pilot, Destroyer Droid – Arena Battle, Jango Fett – Slave I Pilot, Lott Dodd, Neimoidian Senator, Watto – Mos Espa Junk Dealer and Tusken Raider with Massiff all of these list a relese date of August 19, 2002– with this many figures on the same date– sounds like case assortments in August with all new figures. Army builders get ready for another onslaught.

It also looks like they have updated release dates, and if these are correct we have some new figures to look for IMMEDIATELY! Han Solo Endor Raid and Obi-Wan Kenobi – Jedi Starfighter Pilot both show June 1, 2002 (TODAY) as their release dates. The Fan Club Stormtrooper Troop Builder Set shows June 7, Teemto Pagalies Pod Racer shows June 17, Chewbacca Cloud City Capture and Darth Maul Sith Training July 1, and Padme Amidala – Coruscant Attack (pilot) on July 15. Also we finally have a release date for Ephant Mon, Jabba’s Head of Security– August 19, 2002.

The Geonosian Arena playset is listed as September 1. Acklay Attack Beast shows TODAY, and the Republic Gunship shows December 1.

UPDATE: In the Deluxe area, entries without photos are up for a Clone Trooper, a Force Flipping Anakin Skywalker, a Flying Geonosian, and Yoda with Force Powers.

The Official Site has highlighted 9 entries surrounding Kamino today, including Lama Su, the Fetts, and more! Be sure to check it out, it’s full of new and notable tidbits of information.

Hasbro UK posted a list of the current Saga range for 2002– which doesn’t go beyond what was known earlier, but it’s good to know if you don’t already. Only three figures on this list remains unreleased, and, of course, more figures should be announced soon for the rest of 2002– and an additional three figures don’t appear on Hasbro UK’s list. (These are Pilot Padme, Teemto Pagalies, and another new Anakin Skywalker figure.)

American Dream Comics has come through with some really detailed photos of both the front and back of the upcoming Target Accessory packs. Although no one has announced when this year these will become available, judging from the cardback photos I would guess it will be much sooner, rather than later– they show the Han/Chewie/Obi-Wan wave figures! Click here for the photos!

If you are new to the hobby and or just need some catch up figures, or hey, even army builders. Check out the latest from Amazon.com. They have for some unknown reason received a lot of older figures. Here is a list of what I have been able to find.

Silas Carson: Hero with a Thousand Faces
Having played a Jedi, a representative of the Trade Federation, and a Republic pilot, isn’t it time this actor had his own special feature? Well, he got one in Star Wars Insider #55, and now it’s available online for you! Check it out.

We’ve been told that many emails sent to Yakface.com addresses over the past few days have bounced back, and as a result, we never got them. If you experienced this in your attempts to communicate with us, please send us your email again– we would greatly appreciate it.

This morning in Q&A, we posted what several people wrote in regarding the appearance of R3-T7 in Episode II. We are now receiving reports that the droid did not, in fact, appear at the top of the movie in Captain Typho’s fighter, but rather, this was R2-A6 or another silver-domed Astromech.

We have received several other sightings– some plausable, some not– of the Droid in the film, but will refrain posting them until we can attempt to confirm it. So, as the headline says, the mystery continues…

The Force.net has an article posted involving an interview with Natalie Portman on the alleged extra footage being filmed for Return of the Jedi that is supposed to take place in conjunction with Episode III filming. Her response? “That’s news to me.” To check out the entire article, click here. Either she just doesn’t know yet, or she’s really good at keeping this under wraps. More on this as it develops… in the next 3 or 4 years.

The 12 inch Jango Fett (Item# HS32509, $49.99) is IN STOCK NOW! Jango Fett comes with an authentically styled outfit and accessories, including removable armor! This figure is fully poseable and comes with helmet, 2 backpacks, jumpsuit, boots, belt with holsters, 2 blasters, twin Westar 34 blasters, Mitrinomon Z-5 jet pack, chest armor, 2 shin guards, 2 knee armor pieces, 2 sets of gauntlets, Kamino Saberdart, claw and fibercord whip. Jango also has a missile launcher that really fires and a position range-finder up or down for enemy targeting! Hop on over to Entertainment Earth to get this great figure, and tell them Yakface sent you!

The fine folks of Rebelscum have posted shots of the first four Target exclusive figure/weapon packs. The figures are essentially reissues of older molds, but for those that had problems finding the POTF2 Death Star Trooper and the POTJ Scout Trooper, this should be great news.

The Hoth set includes a Hoth Rebel Soldier– made of the POTF2 Hoth Rebel Soldier head and Luke Hoth’s body; the Arena Conflict set comes with a spiffy red Battle Droid.

Some highlights from the sets include: the Ewok “drum” set made out of Imperial helmets with drum sticks, what may be a cloth coat for Endor Han, an AT-ST Driver helmet, mouse and interrogation droids, a Stormtrooper helmet, a removable Stormtrooper belt, and gobs of other goodies. These are a gift from above for those who open their figures, and seem to be exactly what many fans have been asking for all these years.

HasbroJedi.co.uk has updated yet again with two new features! First is another contest, this time for an Attack of the Clones teaser poster. Second, they posted on the availability on the as-of-yet unavailable Acklay and the issues surrounding Zam’s Speeder… UK fans, be sure to scope this out.

Star Wars.com has posted an update on the ongoing Star Wars monthly comic book being split in two– Star Wars: Empire and Star Wars: Republic. The split, obviously, has been made so there can be two series each focusing on each era of the Star Wars films. As an added bonus, there’s a brief preview of what to expect from the upcoming Betrayal of the Empire story arc.

With Every Question for Justice, our Q&A column a go-go, has been updated with questions and answers for you, the reader. Topics include the pesky ol’ backgrounds with some Saga figures, deleted Clones footage, and yes, even the mystical whereabouts of R3-T7.

Star Wars Epic Force Prototype
This item includes a packaged mock-up of a Darth Vader VSP from the Epic Force line. What makes this packaging mock-up particularly unique is that it comes on Casper the Friendly Ghost cardstock!

Vintage Canadian Vacuformed General Veers
A fairly rare and unusual Star Wars item from the vintage era, this Canadian item is the only instance of the character General Veers named as such on his packaging– so far. Be sure to check this one out.

HasbroJedi.co.uk, Hasbro’s official Internet home for England, posted an apology regarding the current limited availability of everybody’s favorite Togruta Jedi Master, but go on to say more are coming… and they “thank you for your patients [sic].” Go figure (pardon the pun), as she’s not exactly in short supply here in the United States.

HasbroJedi.co.uk has also posted continued information on their Toy Fair Darth Vader contest and a thank you message for feedback thus far. Also, in case you missed it, they posted a note last week about there being no plans to make any offers for Jedi Points in the U.K.

Looks like the team at Hasbro UK’s web house is off to a great start, and we wish many continued updates in the future!

Does clone coloring indicate Rank?
Everybody’s favorite uppity Jedi Librarian tackles the question of the Clone Trooper coloration scheme– just what do the yellow, red, blue, and green mean?

French Lucasfilm Magazine #35
Now you can read about a magazine that 99.9% of you will not have the opportunity to purchase in your region. The new ish boasts 50 new photos from the newest film and some articles similar to those we’ve had in recent months here in the United States. The magazine sounds like a winner for the French-speaking Star Wars fans out there.

Rebelscum posted a batch of photos of the upcoming exclusive X-Wing Fighter vehicle. The item includes survival gear, R2-D2, and comes in a nifty window box. Be sure to check these images out, especially the front page of the instructions which lists the vehicle as being from Attack of the Clones!

Dark Horizons is reporting that Natalie Portman has been one of the actors/actresses that has been signed on to play a part in the still-tenatively-scheduled DVD release of Return Of The Jedi. Apparently reprising her role as Padme, (or replacing Mon Mothma as this weird reporter still thinks…), these scenes are allegedly to be shot during the Episode III filming stint. These scenes will then be reinserted into the actual film as part of the continuity. Three years, folks…

In the world of the unusual, here’s an item that’s sure to be new to a great deal of the collector base– concept art for a Han Solo belt Role-Play toy. It would have acted as a holster for a Han Solo blaster as well as a new way to carry figures, much like the infamous Chewbacca Bandolier Strap (ROTJ, 1983.) It’s a neat piece of concept art, and definitely worthy of a few seconds of your eyes’ time!

With Every Question for Justice, the Q&A column that updates for no readily apparent reason, has been updated with a deca-dose of answers and questions. And yes, some have to do with why some of those pesky Attack of the Clones toys don’t look exactly like they did in the movie.

(Which means, for those paying attention, there are no spoiler-guards on the column anymore.)

Additional updates will be controlled by you, the reader. Got a question? Kindly send it on in!

During Celebration II, many collectors of modern prototypes viewed an incredible load of unpainted first shots for sale. One sale in particular stood out from the rest. A sale of a reported 387 first shots were up for grabs all at once during one room sale. Several requests have been made for any pictures showing this modern day motherload, and none have surfaced until now. Hit theprototype section, and head into the First Shots section of the website to view two incredible pictures taken during the sale. If you will notice in one of the pictures there’s a spot where quite a few Boba Fett first shots once were. Whoops! I guess Hasbro missed a few that should have gone to the shredder! 8>)Sweet dreams for modern day first shot collectors indeed! Thanks to a fellow partner in crime for the pictures. You know who you are! ;>)

Reader Michael Fright sent in an image of what may well be the largest custom project to date…

If you click the above image, you can see him standing by his monsterish creation, which is currently residing in a large Darth Maul deco truck. If you only click on one image this year, make it this one.

Splitting the Galaxy
A feature in the databank all about the Separatists– meet San Hill, Po Nudo, and the ultra-cool looking Wat Tambor. When you pen those “wish lists” for upcoming AOTC figures, this feature should come in handy.

Attack of the Clones Pin Collection
In addition to the set they released earlier, Pin USA has released a set on the current #1 movie in the world– well, for this week, anyway. There’s also some nifty individual pins, so check it out.

That’s right E3, and I don’t mean the Electronic Entertainment Expo. The Jundland Wastes has just pointed out that CNN has posted an interview with the Flanneled One, and just how dark E3 will be. Click here for more.

Barnes and Noble as well as Waldenbooks in the US and Toys “R” Us in Canada are giving way a two-sided poster with the Fetts (Jango and Boba) on one side, and images of Anakin from his portrayal by Jake Lloyd to Haden Christensen on the other.

Yoda Yogurt
There is now a Yoda Go-Gurt package, so keep your peepers peeled after checking out this preview image of the new package.

“Become A Jedi” Contest Winners
There was a Gentle Giant/Dark Horse Comics booth at Celebration II in which lucky fans could be scanned, and maybe made into an ultra-limited bust. Did you win? You probably already know, but if you don’t, you can check this out and see who won.

“Yes it’s true!!! My nick is PackoM and I’m a Spanish collector. I must say that I have found in my local Toys’r’us in Seville (Spain) (where it was filmed the escene of the arriving to Naboo in Episode II) the exclusive Darth Vader Silver NYTF 25th Aniversary exclusive fig. It’s a few expensive (44,99 Euros = $40.90). They only have 12 unids and they have sold them by a reserve for the buyers. I have bought two of them wich you can see at the first lines of the purchase ticket I send to you as proof. It’s great!!!”

Hasbro has listed a number of Star Wars collectibles for sale on Ebay to benefit charity. All proceeds of these auction items will benefit Boundless Playgrounds – a non-profit organization that Hasbro supports through the Hasbro Children’s Foundation. Their mission is to increase public awareness of the tremendous need for playgrounds where children of all abilities can laugh, play and grow together — with the goal of ultimately having fully integrated, universally accessible playgrounds in reach of every child in America. The Boundless Playgrounds team also provides direct services to people, groups and companies who want to design and develop these special, and much needed playgrounds. In the summer of 2001, Hasbro, Inc. was the first corporation to sponsor a Boundless Playground in our home state of Rhode Island.

Shipping alongside Senator Palpatine is Alien Bounty Hunter, Djas Puhr. Sporting eight points of articulation, two blaster, two holsters, and a face that’s gone virtually unseen by most Star Wars fans before the release of this action figure. Does it make the grade? Does he really look cool out of the package? Click and find out!

Fans wondering if the original versions of the films will be coming to the eventual DVD releases of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi finally have their answer, sort of. The following is a quote from the newly released Star Wars Insider #60, page 61:

“Asked if there’s a possibility of including the original versions as alternate tracks, to show the evolution of films, showcase the state-of-the-art of the era, and preserve film history, Lucas said simply, ‘I don’t think so. I think of the film as The Special Edition. I don’t think of it as the early version, any more than I would put early rough cuts on.'”

So much for fans hoping Lucas would follow in Steven Spielberg’s footsteps with E.T., where the director will be including both versions of the film on the DVD this Fall. Of course, things change, but for now it looks like the only DVDs of the original versions of the Trilogy will end up being poorly made unlicensed bootlegs.

Star Wars Insider subscribers are being treated to a bunch of goodies with the 130-page issue #60– and only seven pages are for the Fan Club store, the Jawa Trader. Some of the highlights this month…– Promo Cards
Topps’ P4 promo for Attack of the Clones features Jango Fett and an army of Clone Troopers. A Trading Card Game promo pack includes an Anakin Skywalker card and a card-shaped coupon for a free booster pack by mail, with the purchase of the two-player game.– Interviews
George Lucas, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, and Hayden Christensen are featured in brand new interviews courtesy of Star Wars journalist Scott Chernoff.– Reference
Articles breaking down various shots of the movie into labeled elements will introduce many to the new and often oddly named citizenry of the Star Wars worlds, plus there are articles on the new droids, a “Who’s Who in Jabba’s Palace” feature, a great little feature on trading cards, and much more.– Other
A peek at the Clones novelization, a look at some board games, and other features on recent merchandise are sure to delight fans and befuddle the rest of America. Be sure to pick this issue up, as there’s a whole mess to read this time around.

LucasArts E3 2002
LucasArts, of course, provides a virtual feast of content on their E3 page. A sequel to Full Throttle, trailers for seven new games, a new Indiana Jones adventure, and scores of press releases await you here.

In addition to Star Wars, there are dozens of announcements and impressions available surrounding classic franchises such as Contra, Metroid, and even Zelda. (Oh, and an expansion to the wildly popular PlayStation2 title, Grand Theft Auto 3… but you knew about that.)

Been waiting for that big sale to get a new game console? You can now get the Playstation 2 or the Xbox for $199.99, or the GameCube for $149.99. They are all in stock at both Amazon.comand KBToys.com. So if you have been waiting, hop over and pick one up. There are quite a few Star Wars games out there for each of the systems.

“This morning at Walmart there was a large stock of new figures, including Senator Palpatine and the Alien Bounty Hunter. There was also the Qui-Gon Jinn, Endor Soldier, and Massif, but strangely no Orn Free Taa, which I had found a week earlier with the Qui-Gon,Endor, Massif wave. I don’t know where the Han and Chewbacca are showing up or if they’re out yet, but figure numbers 39 and 40 are out there.”

ADDENDUM:
Rob had a little more to add later…“In my haste of grabbing figures amongst a hoard of other collectors when the doors first opened and running late for work, I failed to pay attention to what I picked up. I did NOT find the Massif… grabbed the Geonasion Warrior and just got confused in all the chaos. I don’t think the Massif was there. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Endor Rebel Soldier, and Djas Puhr I did manage to grab though and they are definitely out there. Sorry for the confusion.”

We also spotted the figures here in Phoenix later at night, and had a similar selection of figures on shelves/in bins.

In a surprise move, HasbroJedi.co.uk has been launched with collector news for England. Right now, content is a little thin, but there are contests to win Toy Fair Darth Vaders, your likeness as an action figure, and news that Jorg Sacul will be released to the UK market– sort of. It has a nice layout to it, and is definitely worth a look.

An eBay seller has posted a pair of auctions for the new Unleashed Jango Fett and Unleashed Darth Maul in their packages. Those looking for an advanced glimpse of these toys in their unique packaging should surf on over.

From the US Sunday papers, here’s a few specials you might find useful… including a couple so low, they could be typos.

Toys “R” Us
PlayStation 2 Starfighter Combo Pack, $49.99
Starfighter and Jedi Starfighter in one package, only $49.99. A Toys “R” Us Exclusive. Offer not available online… and it’s a fairly good deal.UPDATE: Despite the ad saying it’s not available online, it is. Click here to see it.

Free Comic Book
The first in a series of four free comic books is being offered with any Hasbro purchase.

Astute fans will notice a few absences: Aurra Sing isn’t listed (she isn’t for Episode I either), nor has anyone spotted her in the film yet. But as we’re a collecting site, we’ll leave these up to the cats at JediNet and TheForce.Net, and some great articles about easter eggs, deleted footage, and the many changes made from the script to the film are showing up on both. So fans of the obscure, you’re in for a series of treats in the coming weeks!

Pillars of the Old Republic
Wondering which Senator is which? Can’t remember if Ask Aak is from Malastare or Ryloth? Just looking for some nice pictures of minor characters? Then this is the update for you.

It’s a Hit: Celebration II
An estimated 27,000 fans attended the Jorg Sacul buying party a few weeks ago, and the Official Site continues to bring coverage of this (hopefully) regular event.

If you haven’t been to your local Toys R Us to get the first of their exclusive Episode 2 comics, go now! These comics are NOT outtakes from the Episode 2 comic adaptation. They are another back story for E2 and appear to have been written as an ad campaign for the Episode 2 toy line– just one example– it shows the Jedi Starfighter in Hasbro’s “fight mode”.

And don’t forget…Hasbro‘s fourth Fan’s Choice poll ends a mere few hours after this post was made. Check in to see the winner this afternoon, and if you still have time to cast your vote, then best ye go to vote post-haste.

HoloNet News has been updated with stories on Sen. Amidala (Naboo) and the assassination attempts surrounding the Military Creation Act, as well as coverage of a speeder thief and other happenings around the Coco District.

Over at Toys R Us UK they have all sorts of new items. Just search on Star Wars.
Here are a few of the new items.
EpII Monopoly
Jango Fett Costume
EpII 3-D Board Game
EpII Chess Set
Among other things, so check it out.

Over at Star Wars.com…E3 2002: Bounty Hunter
A glimpse at the upcoming game starring Jango Fett. The title will be further previewed at E3 in Los Angeles next week, and is in production for Playstation2 and GameCube gaming platforms.

An Introduction to Episode II
Looking for a basic intro to the new film? Well, this is it. Perfect for newbies or those who haven’t been paying attention to the merchandise.

And at Hasbro…Fan’s Choice Poll #4
Closing Friday, and one figure has surprisingly taken a very sudden lead this week. Don’t forget to cast your vote before it’s too late!

Also, the new Watto is in the rotation on the main page… so you may be randomly selected to see him.

As Clones has finally reached cinemas today, all of us at Yakface.com would like to wish you the very best moviegoing experiences today. If you’re one of the many fans playing hooky from work, or from school, rest assured that you’re in for a treat today. (And the new Matrix trailer, most likely.)

Showbizdata is reporting that authorities in Malaysia have already seized VCDs and DVDs made by film pirates and selling for less than the price of a US theatrical ticket. Read the full story for details.

While LucasFilm has yet to announce any official release date for VHS and/or DVD in the United States, rumblings on DVD web pages hint that both have been in development and may be out before Thanksgiving.

We’ve received a few reports from readers, first is reader Matt Rardon, an all around groovy dude who used to run one of the best POTF2 pages around:

“I found the Ultimate Jango at a K-Mart in Redwood City CA today. It rang up at the $32.99 sale price. I will not get a chance to open it until after work 😉 Can’t wait to play with this puppy!!!!”

And another from Steve…

“I went to Kmart in Paramus, NJ this morning and looked for the ‘Ultimate Jango Fett’, to ano avail. Anyway, then i went to my local TRU and they had 4 of them, but for $47.99, while Kmart was selling them for, on sale $32.99, so i priced matched it..and they gave it to me….”

“Found this booklet last week at the walmart in Roanoke VA. Guessing its a give-away for Walmart’s Jedi Challenge Promotion on the 17th (I think). I’ve scanned in the pics and uploaded them. Links to the scans are below if you’re interested. Also in the cart with the booklets were bags of lego clonetrooper parts. Feel free to post this if you want.

E3 2002: Knights of the Old Republic
Set 4000 years before the original trilogy, this game is stuffed with Sith and Jedi goodness. And odds are it’ll be shown at E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

More Episode II Mini Busts
See some particularly gorgeous busts: Count Dooku, Zam Wesell, and Jango Fett have all turned out quite well. See for yourself at this link.

August 2002 Comics
Find out what’s changed in the Empire Strikes Back Infinities book, find out more about Aayla Secura, and more! New cover art is up for your perusal. Release dates from Dark Horse:
August 7
Star Wars: Darkness Trade Paperback
August 14
Star Wars: Infinities – The Empire Strikes Back #2 of 4
August 21
Star Wars #45: Rites of Passage 4 of 4

Gameforms, the recently launched video game news site, has a lot of information, imagery, and more on the upcoming Xbox/PC Bioware/LucasArts Baldur Clone. The game is due for release in the United States in Fall, 2002.

Action-Figure.com has posted a review with pictures of the apparently newly released Djas Puhr action figure. It looks like another winner, somehow Hasbro really has a knack for taking a third-rate character and making a nice toy… check it out!

Episode II Premieres for Charity
On Sunday, eleven premieres for Attack of the Clones were held for children’s charities around the United States. The Official Site updated with pictures and information on these events, but most interesting was a report from a reader on a “special collectible” he found… see below for news on that.

At Celebration II, Hasbro made a vague reference that Jorg Sacul wouldn’t be sold again, but a few of him would be made available again elsewhere. Dyslogia Twang has an interesting report on this matter…

“Just to let you know, attendees of the childhaven.org charity screening of AOTC in Seattle, WA received Jorg Sacul figures in their goodie bags. A ‘special collectible’ was advertised, but as far as I know, details were not made public until the screening. As near as I can tell, there is nothing new in this figure (packaging or otherwise).”

Intriguing! It’s assumed that Jorg will show up at other similar events in the future, but it’s fairly up-in-the-air.

“since i worked in plastic injection molding for almost five years, i would say that blaster should have never made it into the final product. it looks like what is commonly referred to as a short. a short is when there isnt enough injection pressure or enough molten plastic to completely fill a cavity. this should have been thrown into the scrap bin and tossed but 100 percent quality assurance on something this small isnt feasible. yes they should have caught this but i can tell you that several hours into a shift doing the same thing over and over and over again tends to destroy your eyesight and lower your iq by twenty points.”

Born on May 14, 1944, filmmaker George Lucas has brought us much in the way of entertainment over the years. From Young Indiana Jones to Radioland Murders to Howard the Duck, Lucas has always been there to bring us the finest in filmed entertainment. On his 58th Birthday, we wish him the best and many more returns.

“I think the flat-chested Super Battle Droid Variation may be linked to another Super Battle Droid variation: shiny-smooth finish versus a more textured/duller looking finish. This sounds minor, but it really makes for a very different looking figure. The vast majority are the duller looking finish, but I found a few of the shiny-smooth finish at a local Kmart. I have found both with the background card, but only have opened the dull finish one and it indeed had the circuitry even though it had a card. My guess is that the earlier ones are shiny AND don’t have the circuitry….if you look at the photograph already on your site, I believe you can see what I am referring to.”

Thanks to all that have written! This neat set is currently available at the Fan Club for preorder. The cost is $19.99 ($17.99 for members) per pack of 4, or 5 packs for a total of 20 Stormtroopers for $79.95.

For the uninitiated, Kenner produced Star Wars action figures since their introduction in 1977 as an Early Bird set, and then brought the line back from a 10-year absence in 1995 under the Hasbro umbrella. Despite the new ownership, they kept the Kenner logo on the package until the end of 1998, when the Kenner name and logo were permanently dropped in favor of Hasbro’s iconography.

Kenner Toys was also responsible for toys like Play-Doh, Spirograph, Strawberry Shortcake, countless lines of licensed action figures, and the proliferation of the ever-popular Batman toy franchise.

While we’ve received countless reports of errors and mispackaged figures touted as “variants,” it seems we may have found an actual new change to Jango Fett (Kamino Escape), courtesy of long time reader Crouching Tayger.

In this image, you can see that one gun is the typical Jango gun found with Kamino Escape, Deluxe, and Final Battle versions of the character. The other, though, has a rounded tip– very different than other versions of the gun made available to date.

Is this a new thing? An accident? Or just another error? If you have any information (we’ve got plenty of speculation,) please do write in.

Matt tipped us off to his auction featuring 77 pieces of artwork by Drew Struzan, a poster artist responsible for the three Special Edition posters, the two regular prequel posters, Harry Potter, and countless others. Included are sketches, final paintings, and more– although it would appear there are no Star Wars pieces in the lot. Still, it’s nifty to see a collection of this nature, so if you have a few minutes, it might be worth a look.

“Hey check out your grociery stores. Kellogg’s is giving away free rubik’s cube heads. They are about 2-3″ and each one has two 3-D images of star wars characters for you to play with; Anakin/Darth Vader, Shmi/Leia, R2-D2/C-3P0, Count Doku/Emperor palpatine, Obi-wan young/Obi-wan old, and the best of all Jango-fett/Clone Trooper.

Also there is an offer for an adult sized clone trooper mask $19.00 Canadian (about $10.00 U.S.) Some stores have these masks in stock so if you’re lucky you won’t have to mail away.”

Wal-Mart.com is now taking preorders for the Republic Gunship at a price of $38.86 and with a release date of August 15, 2002, and for the Arena Playset also for $38.86 and with a September 15, 2002 delivery date.

Thanks to GarGarBnks for the following.
“There is a big Star Wars section in the Sunday K-Mart ad.. This ad is for the San Francisco, Fresno, Reno, and Las Vegas markets. They advertise a villain figure for $32.99 and Jango Fett is pictured. They also have 15% off Star Wars legos, deluxe figures for $9,99, speeder vehicles for $10.99, villain vehicle for $24.99, attack beast for $13.99, and basic figures -buy one at $6.99, get the 2nd for $3,49. They also have on sale the ATOC soundtrack for $11.88 and assorted other Episode II items.”

This sent in from Ziggy….
“I just noticed that the ralph mcquarrie stormtrooper has suddenly umped up in the poll to take a 7% lead over general riekkan and the dignitary. I think some sick weirdo has hacked the contest again, just like what happened with ephont mon and the twilek dancer.”
Makes one wonder…

Thank you to all of the Yak Readers who have wrtten with their efforts to find the flat version of the Super Battle Droid. It appears that the flat interior chest variation is not in all of the Super Battle Droids with background inserts and correction stickers on the back. The ones I found them in had date stamps of 20021 and 20141. I have had reports that they are NOT in cards with a date stamp of 20211. If you have any more information, send it in.

CNN reports a zealous fan/vindictive movie-goer has created a bootleg copy of Attack of the Clones with a tripod-mounted digital camcorder that is currently making its way around IRC. ReadCNN’s full story for… the full story.

It’s Thursday, so it must be time for an all-new issue of HoloNet News! The new edition has stories about the Senate Guard, news of Battle Droids and Loyalist Committees, and, of course, Jedi Taskforces. Check it out, it’s a good one!

If you’re still looking for some POTJ figures, don’t count out the regular action figure section of your local Toys “R” Us. Some stores are getting additional new shipments of the BoShek wave, others are receiving more Preview figures as well as $4.97 Amanamans and Slave Leias. And still others are receiving the Bespin Luke/Vader/etc. Saga wave… so if you have a Toys “R” Us in your area, don’t skip it on your next toy run.

We’ve received a couple of reports of the Celebration II passes showing up to those who ordered them in Indianapolis last week. Each set comes with eight passes, a lanyard, and a C2 camera.

We’ve also received a few emails asking how they can order these. Unfortunately, Celebration II merchandise sales were limited to Celebration II and according to those at the convention, the merchandise will not be available on the primary market again. So for your Jorg Saculs, C2 Passes, Shirts, and so forth, you’ll need to check eBay and elsewhere.

Adam over at the Trade Federation has posted the scoop on the really LARGE SIZE R2-D2 coming from Hasbro this fall, including a number of photos. I saw this thing at Toy Fair and C2 and all I can say, is it is unbelieveable! Click here for more

We’ve all heard about enough variations to go insane on Episode II figures, but Yak Reader Brinn 71 has found one that, like R2-D2’s legs is a variation in the molds used to produce the figure itself. This time it’s on the Super Battle Droid. Before I start to describe the two variations, note that the difference is on the chest plate INSIDE the Super Battle Droid which is only visible when the droid is in the disassembled “battle damage” mode.

The first version has a chest plate which is totally flat. The second version has molded circuits and gears which are raised slightly. The difference is very noticible as you can see from pictures below the difference is very noticible.

Now, the good news. It does not appear that this is a “hidden” variation which requires opening the figure to see which version you have. (Although I strongly encourage freeing figures from their plastic prisons as soon as possible.) The flat chest figures are in the earliest releases of the Super Battle Droids. They appear, based on my unscientific study of opening a lot of carded SBDs, to be only in those figures which have background scenes and the “corrected” sticker on the back showing the battle damage.

Millennium Falcon Flight Controller
This item would have been the sequel to the X-Wing Flight controller, but instead was doomed to the realm of unreleased toys. Check it out, this is a neat piece that would’ve been offered in the Pre-Episode I days.

We’ve been tipped off to a variety of online reviews for the prequel sequel, some with spoilers, some without. For your amusement, here are some of them:Fox NewsTheDigitalBits.comMovies.com

Ebert & Roeper, for those interested, will review the film on this weekend’s installment of their television program (check your local listings for time and channel.)

The reviews, as per usual, are very mixed. Some people simply adored the flick, while others merely adore pointing out its faults. If you can’t wait a week to see it yourself, don’t hesitate to check out a review or two.

HoloNet News has been updated recently with yet another addition, including mention of a sighting of Count Dooku– something many a collector has been hoping to do lately. Don’t miss the latest update in the Star Wars universe!

Looking for news you may not have read elsewhere just yet? Wondering how many other Clone Trooper figures are coming this year? Is it true there’s another R2-D2 on the way? And just what is the fate of the Red Battle Droid (Arena Battle)?

All this, and much, much more can be read right here in the first installment of our Celebration II coverage.

Spider-Man, Sam Raimi’s tale of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, has made over $114 million in a three-day span. Will the army of Clones be able to topple this phenomenal, fantastically large opening figure? Stay tuned to sites like ShowBizData.com, who post features like this oneanalyzing the weekend box office take.

Thanks to Peter for this news bit.“Just to remind folks that tonight on CNN at 8:00pm is Connie Chung’s special, ‘Countdown to the Clones,’ a one-on-one interview with George Lucas. The CNN website says, ‘Live From Skywalker Ranch — Connie Chung: Countdown to the Clones: We look at the latest in the ‘Star Wars’ saga including a live interview with creator George Lucas.'”

One of the many neat things given away at Celebration II was in Hasbro’s booth: a little business card sized pamphlet with the candidates in the new Fan’s Choice poll– and all of them are great choices:
– Nym (Expanded Universe: Comics, Starfighter games)
– Ralph McQuarrie’s Stormtrooper
– Rebel Scout Trooper
– General Rieekan
– Imperial Dignitary

After drudging through the Carrie Fisher autograph line, the Celebration II store, and everything else, The Yak is gearing up to give you the finest Celebration II coverage. Well, if it isn’t the finest, at least we have several previously unreported tidbits from Hasbro. Check back regularly over the next few days for continued stories, pictures, and lists of all the great stuff you missed, even if you went there!

“I got a call from FAO today from the 5th Ave store. They had begun taking pre-orders for the Shuttle today. I gave them my info and they told me to expect this for December delivery. I asked that this item would arrive for Christmas or will it be after and I was told that there are no gaurantees but she was told that the latest would be 12/15/02. If you have not ordered one of these items yet please order them now. “

Also, I got to talk with Hasbro over the weekend. One of the many interesting things (most of which will be posted later this evening) I found out was that the quantity of the Shuttle was still up in the air, and that FAO still does not have this vehicle officially signed on as an exclusive just yet. The wheels are moving, and it’s very likely, but it is still not 100%– something could still happen that would result in it not happening.

However, assuming it does come out, the release timeframe of December and the price of $125 are both very, very likely.

“I’m not sure anyone has reported this yet but Sam’s Club is selling three special collectors tins fill with Frito-Lay Chips. The SW Tins feature Characters from all five movies including AOTC. Each Tin has a special quote from the upcoming movie and full color graphics.

I’m sorry I can’t include a photo but I don’t have a digital camera. These Tins are WELL worth the trip to Sam’s. But you better hurry because it looks like they are going fast.

Here are the details on the tins:

Tin #1 – Big Photos of Darth Vader, Anakin (Ep I), Anakin (Ep II), as well as several small pics of other characters.

Tin #2- Yoda, Obi-wan (Ep II), Luke (ROTJ), as well as several small pics of other characters.

Tin #3- Big Photos of Clone Trooper, C-3PO, R2-D2, as well as several small pics of other characters: including Jango and Boba Fett.

Price: $7.99 each
Contains: Three 9-10 oz. Bags of Chips in Each tin. (Doritos, 3-D Ruffles, and Cheetos)”

Advance tickets for what early reviews are hailing as a fantastic flick have gone on sale over the weekend, and are continuing to go on sale in various parts of the world. Check your local movie listings for further details.

While early reports said there would be no midnight screenings, this is not the case– several chains are holding screenings at 12:01 AM opening day.

Kay-Bee Toys has marked down the price of figures at its brick & mortar stores to %5.99. Which figures, though, seems to vary. Some people claim to have found Saga figures at that price, yet local reports reveal only Power of the Jedi and the Preview figures marked down. Regardless of the results, the store is worth checking out, as they seem to be getting a fairly steady flow of figures like Taun We and Count Dooku in several regions.

We’ve received dozens of reports from readers all over the United States that many more new figures have arrived, such as the Massif, Orn Free Taa, Endor Rebel Soldier, and Qui-Gon Jinn. Another new assortment has arrived with Mace Windu, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Jango Fett (Arena Battle.)

For those keeping track, this means that all figures numbered up through and including #0235, Orn Free Taa, are now available.

So far, these have been spotted at various Wal-Marts as well as at our sponsor Entertainment Earth.

This one is gonna be good! If you have an Ames in your area, you gotta check this out. Thanks goes to everyone who wrote us about this sale, and especially to “Steve W.” for the scan of the ad you see above. It seems that a couple days after the film is released, (on a Sunday, no less…), they are blowing out all their Star Wars merchandise at a whopping 1/5 off, (or 20% for the fractionally challenged.) This would be a good time to grab that Reek you let sit because there was no pack-in figure, the speeders, the Slave I, etc… Not to mention some of the figures. Check your local stores folks!

Here’s the first report from Yak in Indy. I arrived at 4:30 a.m. to find a minimal (less than 50 person) line. I have to give Wizards and their security staff kudos for preventing line breaking by the few fans who attempted to do so. The fans were, almost without exception, extremely well behaved.

At 9:00 a.m. the doors opened, and we were allowed to enter the convention center building. Wizards organized this very well. Fan Club members had a separate line. Those members who had passes at will call, or who needed to purchase passes had no trouble picking them up. Almost all the Fan Club members who had their passes went straight to the Celebration Store.

About several hundred yards from the store, we saw the only glitch in the con. The exhibitors, vendors, associates, and licensees were permitted to enter the store at 8:30 a.m. for a first run. When we were admitted and went to the store line, there were still several hundred of these “insiders” in line to make purchases. About 9:30— half an hour early, the fans were let into the store to get Sacul, and other items. No figures except Sacul were available.

Now for the bad news. Sidi’s Sith perceptions called my attention to at least 3 distinct VARIATIONS in the George, err Jorge’s, appearance.
That’s right, there are 3 versions of the Sacul figure.

Version 1:
This is the white bearded version of Sacul. His beard is VERY white, and looks like the white looks like it was an overpaint over the gray beard. He may also have white hair on his head, but I have no confirmation, as I have not seen a white Sacul opened, and he has his helment on in the package. This version has only been seen on Saculs with a date stamp of 20771.

Version 2:
This is the gray bearded version, unlike Ponda Baba (for our freeze frame veterans), this is the most common verion— if any Sacul figure can be said to be common. It has a deep gray colored beard with deep gray hair and light gray to white highlights.

Version 3:
This one has yellow-gray hair and beard. This version has only been seen on a painted sample, so far. Stay tuned to see if carded versions exist.

More to come tomorrow. Scans of the Sacul will be up early next week at the latest.

If you are one of the legions of us gathered in Indy, for C2, there is one exclusive that you can’t get at the E2 store, but you can preorder it tonight from KB Toys — the KB exclusive 12″ red and yellow Clone Troopers! Just go to KB’s website and search for clone trooper. They are scheduled for delivery on June 10.

We were sent a press release on an upcoming DVD with Star Wars artist extraordinarre, Ralph McQuarrie. Because he’s cool, here’s the skinny:

“ralphmcquarrie.com is proud to announce the DVD release of Ralph McQuarrie: Illustrator, a never before seen 80 minute interview with Star Wars conceptual artist Ralph McQuarrie at the Star Wars Celebration 2 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In this exclusive interview, Ralph discusses his life and work, from his early days at Boeing and creating animations for the television coverage of the Apollo space missions to his first meetings with George Lucas and his work on the Star Wars trilogy. Ralph also talks about his work on other films (including Battlestar Galactica, Close Encounters, ET, and Raiders of the Lost Ark), his working method, and his advice for aspiring artists. As a bonus, the DVD features a gallery of McQuarrie’s book cover concept artwork and selected personal etchings.

The regular edition of the DVD will be available for $15. In addition, we are offering a limited edition of 100 copies in an etched, numbered tin that also includes 9 exclusive postcards of McQuarrie artwork and a signed metal trading card for $40. We expect these will sell out quickly, and as we recognize that not all fans will be able to make it to Celebration 2, we are holding back 20 copies of the limited edition to be put on sale on ralphmcquarrie.com shortly after our return from the show. The regular edition will also be available on the website after the 6th.

Reader Ak-rev sends this link to info on an upcoming in-store event for May 18. Apparently “Young Jedi cadets can test their skills with a lightsaber in an actual Jedi training academy.” Whatever that means.

“The K-mart in San Leandro CA (bay area) has tons of Playskool all in one adventure sets. They have them all- Wampa, through the forest, the one with Maul and the one with Vader. They have had them for a few days now, and no one appears to be buying them!”

In addition to a spiffy new main page, the following features await you.

Episode II Commercials
Over a dozen very snappy, action-oriented ads made for television have been posted at The Official Site. Don’t miss the bucket of coolness that is their Clone Trooper spot!

Don’t Miss The Fan Film Award Ceremony!
Star Wars through a fan’s eyes can be a great thing, and award ceremonies… don’t get me started! Check out this feature on the best of Star Wars-themed short films made over the years.

Insider’s Guide to Celebration II, Part II
From an exhibit straight from the archives to a booth where your little Jedi can make his or her own costume, there’s a lot to do at Celebration II. Read this feature to find out what other goodies are on tap for you, unless you aren’t going, in which case you can read about things which you’ll be reading about over the next few days.

The Final Update of With Every Question For Justice has been posted. And by “final,” I mean “final for about a month or two.” The column will be taking a break until the movie opens over most of the world because, well, it’s easier than prefacing 75% of the answers with spoiler warnings.

Those still searching for the Stompin’ Wampa and Fast Through The Forest Sets– which, I might add, are wonderful– might want to check out their local Kay-Bee Toys. Several of each were found tonight for $7.99 a pop.

Those waiting to get the Amanaman and Sail Barge Cannon Leia are in luck– these and other green packaged Star Wars toys have reached final markdown at many Target stores. While prices differ by location, I spotted the Deluxe figures at $3.94 each and the basic figures (POTJ, preview) down to $1.64. It’s assumed the 25th Anniversary Two-Packs are also down to $3.94. Happy hunting!

“Prices drop at Wal Mart in Chicago, IL to $4.74 for AOTC Figures! They have a policy where they will credit your money back overpaid as long as the purchases were made within 2 weeks of each other. Not bad considering KB charges $7.99 in the stores. Kmart will NOT price match with a receipt.
Target is still clueless.”

Not all Wal-Marts have changed their prices, but it’s worth a look to see if yours may have– so go get yourself a couple of bucks back for more Clone Troopers.

“Get $25 off of any purchase over $50 at Amazon.com. Had to see it to believe it so I figured I’d get the exclusive 12″ AOTC Mace Windu and the POTJ AT-ST that’s been begging for me. Here’s the skinny… just place your order for any item or items over the total amount of $50. Type in your credit card info and proceed to he “totals” screen. Then, in the certificates block, type 905513 and click update for the first $5 off. Then type 905517 and update for another $5 off. Then type 905514 and update for another $10 off.

Wired Magazine posted this feature on which United States theaters will be showing the new flick with digital projection. Only 19 moviehouses are on the list, and six of them are in California. With this in mind, make your plans accordingly.

The Insider’s Guide to Celebration II- Part I
Not so much an Insider’s guide as a repackaging of previous updates concerning the content of the Convention this week, this should be a good read if you want to know what to expect.

Reader and all around cool dude Keith sent in a picture and his comments on how he was shipped the figure:

“I received my 2 Mace Windus from Amazon today and I thought I’d send along a picture of the box they came in. The box is 25″ x 20″ x 15″! It was almost entirely filled with their air packets. I guess they really wanted to make sure these arrived in mint condition.”

“If you want to get any autographs from the guests at Celebration 2, you have until midnight (Mountain Standard Time) on Tuesday, April 30th to place your order. Wattographs is pleased to be coordinating our efforts with C2 Ventures to obtain autographs for those people who care unable to attend Celebration 2. Our single-image prices are $18.00 each ($15.00 each for ten or more photos) — this is only $3.00 over the cost of getting the autograph at the event! Convention-issued Certificates of Authenticity are also available for $3.25 — only .25 over the cost of getting one at the show!

The autographs purchased will ONLY be on the photos offered at the convention. It will be in character and will have the special holographic Celebration 2 foil stamp on the picture. Don’t forget there are also four special images for multi-signatures at the show. Items with multiple signatures are very popular among autograph collectors.

In Q&A last time, a reader wondered about the availability of some custom instruments sold for Sy Snootles and Joh Yowza of the Max Rebo Band packs. Today, reader Vallis turned us on to the fact that they were, in fact, still available at ToyManiacs for $3.99 a pair, plus shipping. Not a bad deal if you’re looking to flesh out these figures.

Fans of Star Wars and comics in general are in for a treat this weekend with Free Comic Book Day. Like the name of the event may imply, it’s a day where free comics are being distributed. A special issue of Star Wars Tales will be coming from Dark Horse, Marvel has a special Ultimate Spider-Man, DC has a Justice League Adventures book, and Image has a Tomb Raider special.

Well, they can’t all be great.

Other comic publishers will be having specials as well, but the distribution varies by location. Check out FreeComicBookDay.com for the full scoop.

With Every Question For Justice has been updated with 10 questions and 10 answers, and this will be the last week of Q&A updates for the forseeable future. So if you’ve got a question, send it in for this week’s updates.

We’ve gotten several reports and seen first-hand that various chains– and not all locations– are dropping their Saga figures down to $5.99 or thereabouts. It appears after the mad rush, they put them down to the normal price… so check your local stores if you’ve been waiting for that $1 price drop.

If you haven’t seen your Sunday paper yet, check this out from Yak Reader Bruce:

“I went into KMart this morning and found they have dropped their prices on AOTC products. Action figures are $5.99 and the Deluxe Figures were $8.99. If you bought something, you also got a nifty scratch off ticket for a special offer. One person will also win a life-size replica of C-3PO and R2-D2. Offer is good 4/28 through 6/1.”

SOunds like K-Mart is the place for your deluxe figures for a while.

UPDATE:

Yak Reader MW points out:

“Just wanted to let you know that in northeast TN, the local Wal-Marts have dropped their price on deluxe figures to $8.54 in response to the K-Mart ad. They had signs up on the displays saying the price would be good through 5-5-02.”

Reader Duncan pointed us over to Barnes & Noble, where you can order the once-$50 Doug Chiang Portfolio for $10. It’s a few dollars more than Waldenbooks/Borders is selling it for (assuming you can find it), but it’s a fairly good deal at $10.

Archive Display at Celebration II
A boatload of props will be at the Con, including a full-size replica of the Jedi Starfighter, some of Amidala’s dresses, alien masks, Tusken costumes, and lightsabers.

Charity Premiere Details
11 cities will be having special advance charity showings of Attack of the Clones, find out where, when, and for whom in this feature.

“Hello I visited my local waldenbooks here in Brownsville, Texas, yesterday, and I found a metal tin portfolio with 20 lithographs inside from Episode 1. It is all artwork from Dough Chiang. The price for this is 7.99 which needless to say is a bargain.”

“I haven’t seen anyone report this yet, but I found the Count Dooku, Yoda, Anakin Hanger Duel at the Walgreens on 4/23 in my area in San Jose, CA. I asked the stock person there if they had any and he said they got a few cases on 4/22 and he brought me 3 cases out. He said they had not put them out, because there was no floor space for them on the shelves( which I could see is true because the toy aisle is extremely congested with other toys). I just want people to know these figures are not hard to find, you just have to know where to look and who to ask. They were $6.99 each and I didn’t mind the cost. Also in the assortment I looked and there were 2 of each in the case- NOT 1 per case as many people think.”

Yet another installment of HoloNet News, Coruscant’s finest news source, is online for your perusal. Highlights include Yoda & Mace stopping a saboteur, a Gotal hijacker standoff, and Death Sticks being found in a school. Neat!

A few of you have sent in a link to Hollywood Costumes, a site selling costumes for movies like Austin Powers, Star Wars, and so forth. They now have various suits and masks for Anakin Skywalker, Jango Fett, Padme Amidala, and Count Dooku up for preorder, with images.

The Stormtrooper 501st– a bunch of groovy dudes who make their own SW costumes and whatnot– appeared at a Toys “R” Us opening and we were senttheir page with a quintet of photos of them in front of the store. Neat.

Okay folks, I just want to show everyone how sad a falsified situation can be. Count Dooku is, we repeat here at Yak, NOT shortpacked. One man, (and I use this term hesitantly), was saying that these were one to every 12 to 20 cases. This is Bantha Poodoo, and is simply not the case. Please folks, do not pay these inflated prices. If the scalpers know they are going to command this type of cashflow, yes, they’re going to keep grabbing these things and tossing them on we-pay… uh, e-Bay. But, ask yourself this; If these things are so “shortpacked”, why are there 11 pages of auction listings. Geez, with all the collectors and kids that did find them, (myself included with relative ease), it’s amazing how many are on e-Bay… if it were as “rare” as is being claimed by these price-gougers.

Celebration II Fan Film Festival (And More!)
News & info on fan film special events during the shindig in Indiana. And, for some reason, the director and producer of Blair Witch will be present. I’m not making this up. You can’t make this up.

“Hey guys I went to Kmart today and asked them for my scratch and win game card and the manager said it wasn’t supposed to be made available until Sunday, April 28th. He even showed me the store guidelines sent by Hasbro. I guess that I will be back on Sunday!”

We’ve received many reports curious about “rare variations” like finding a Shaak Ti on a Captain Typho cardback, a Clone Trooper missing some paint, or a Count Dooku that’s still sealed but missing an accessory. “Are they worth more?” some ask, “How hard to find are they?”

Basically, what these are, are errors. Fairly common in the toy world, an error is a figure that’s somehow a mistake, be it missing a paint operation, in the wrong package, and so forth. In a mass-produced line it’s very easy for a mistake to get through quality control and to the stores, where you might find them.

As to their value, well, that’s up to the free market to dictate. In most toy lines, an error is worth about what it cost at the store– sometimes collectors are willing to pay a premium for an unusual item in the wrong box, others, they just view an item as damaged goods.

An error is always a fun addition to any collection, but don’t expect to pay the bills by finding one. Happy hunting!

Just to further set the record straight on these supposed “shortpacks” of new figures, a toy manager who wishes to remain anonymous writes to let us know the skinny of the situation;

“Just to confirm what you’ve already written. I’m a toy manager at one of the national retailers and worked the night of the toy release and have stocked product ever since. In my area everyone is complaining about no Dooku and no Yodas . There’s PLENTY to go around, trust me. this is a case of scalpers and people wanting to make themselves feel big or important that are buying certain figures and creating this artificial demand. It isn’t Hasbro, TRU, Big K, WalMArt or KB conspiring to pee everyone off. There will be more of
the initial assortments shoved into these stores until at least the move comes out, so for God’s sake ….CALM DOWN!!!!!! As a footnote no one is seems to begging for HD anakin and there are plenty on the shelf in my area.”

There you have it. This is one of many confirmations I’ve received here at Yak, so believe it folks, it’s true. There will be enough to go around! Sing along to Obi-John’s song here, you know the words by now…

The very first US broadcast airing of ESB will be airing on FOX tonight– consult your local listings for time and channel. New footage of R2-D2 and C-3PO will appear throughout, explaining how it fits in with the upcoming Attack of the Clones.

Yak Reader “Chris E.” alerts us to this excellent discovery from Target.

“I’m not sure if this has been discussed yet but yesterday at Target I found a gallon size black bucket of Big Grab Bag Doritos & Cheetos. There are 3 different buckets with various pictures from all the movies. Bucket 1 mainly features Anakin & Darth Vader, bucket 2 has the Jedi, and bucket 3 has the droids . I bought bucket 2 for my son to put his figures in. The price was $3.99 per bucket and they come with 2 Big Grab Bag Doritos, 2 Big Grab Bag Cheetos, and 1 sample bag of 3-D’s. I think these are excellent collectors pieces!”

“Episode II: Attack of Clones hits theaters in less than a month and Entertainment Earth may be in danger of selling out of their Master Replicas shipment before it even arrives! If you’re thinking about getting these high quality prop-replicas from Star Wars and Episode 2, act quickly or miss out.”

This is the low down on a pretty cool new item. Attack Of The Clones: Jedi Dex$32.99, The Jedi Dex is a detailed encyclopedia of information from all Star Wars episodes, including the classic trilogy. Included are character bios and information about aliens, weapons, and vehicles. Highlight a character name, alien, weapon, or vehicle to retrieve detailed information and history, along with a detailed graphic image, on an item within the Star Wars universe. The Jedi Dex features a smooth, pushbutton-release opener, an organizer, dot matrix graphics, and movie sound effects. Basic functions include a calendar, a calculator, an address book, an alarm clock/scheduler, a to-do list, and password protection. Test your Star Wars savvy and challenge your knowledge in the Star Wars trivia game.

Exclusive Celebration II Merchandise
Figures, badges, chairs, jackets, shirts, pins, and more– there’s going to be a lot of stuff here. Follow the link for a sneak preview of what may be available for sale at the Fan Club following the convention.

Get Scanned at Celebration II
Gentle Giant Studios will be on-hand to give a demo of their scanning technologies at the Dark Horse booth. And there’s a contest involved… neat!

Attack of the Clones Excerpt
Looking for a free preview of the just-released novelization? Here’s the opening scenes of the film, in text form!

The Droids over at Artoosnews have just updated their databanks with detailed scans of the Star Wars Saga Bespin Wave (Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Jango Fett Final Battle, and Mace Windu Geonosian Rescue). Click here to see them.

Please Note: These offers are available only at participating retail stores. These promotional offers are not available online. Check with your local store to ensure participation, and check back here for information on other programs.

Kmart
April 23
Visit your local Kmart store for your chance to win a R2-D2 and C-3PO life-size replica. Receive a scratch and win card with any Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones purchase in the store. Additional prizes include special offers on Hasbro and other licensee product.

KB Toys
May 1
Check out your local KayBee Toy store beginning May 1st to catch a Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast gift-with-purchase offer. With a $9.99 purchase or more of Hasbro’s Star Wars toys and games, you will receive a FREE Wizards of the Coast trading card game promo card (while supplies last).

Toys ‘R Us
May
Check out your local Toys ‘R Us store in May for a special gift-with-purchase offer. With the purchase of Hasbro’s Star Wars toys and games, you will receive a FREE special edition comic from Dark Horse Comics. This is the first in a series of four comics, with the other titles available in subsequent months. Check with your local store for details and timing.

Wal*Mart
May 18
“A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack…” Kids 12 and under are invited to their local Wal*Mart location on May 18th from 10am to noon to test their Jedi skills. See if the Force is strong with you in the Hasbro Force Flipping contest. Enter the Jedi Chamber to test your lightsaber skills. The challenge will take place in the Toy Aisle of participating Wal*Mart stores. Good luck and may the Force be with you!

So there ya have it. Keep checking back to see what other goodies they add for future offers!

A lot of numbers get thrown around in this hobby, and sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything. For instance, the other day we posted about how, most likely, all figures available at this point would be numbered 0227 or smaller– but what does 0227 mean?

Basically, Hasbro has now started numbering all Star Wars figures in the basic assortments. So Anakin (Outlander) is 0201, Padme (Arena) is 0202, and so on and so forth. Since each figure has a unique number, it should be easier to spot gaps in your collection.

The first “02” means the figure was released in 2002. The second two digits indicate the figure’s ID number, basically– so that’s that.

For those wanting a breakdown by the numbers of all figures numbered 0201 through 0246, we offer this work-in-progress checklist that lists everything through– most likely– this summer, through Teemto Pagalies.

In the past, figures have been referred to as “.0200”, “.00”, etc.– but this has nothing to do with the numbering system for the Saga series.

Cargo Bay: Collector’s Database Open for Inspection
Over six months in the making, and now it’s finally here. It’s not complete by any means, but it’s a downright great start and we hope to see it continue to flourish. Notable items include…Arena Battle Droid in a red color (which may not be released), an Endor Rebel Soldier as a troop builder set (no images and not the standard figure, apparently), and several more previously unconfirmed Deluxe figures.

Celebration II: Sunday Collector’s Schedule
See customizers like Dan Curto and all around groovy dude Peter Crone, attend panels on the future of collecting, and hear all about props and prop replicas on the final day of the Con!

“I don’t know how this happened, but figure #32 Qui Gonn Jinn, showed up at the South Philadelphia Wal-Mart. This was found on the rack and I am holding it in my hand. I discovered this after I came home with the stash. I will be returning to see if there are any more to be had.”

Kenny experienced a little frustration…

“After my midnight run at TOYS R US and early morning WALMART round up for straggling figures i needed, we rushed down to the nearest TARGET. We quickly ran to the back aisle and saw NO STAR WARS whatsoever. we then inquired where the new toys were and the employee told us that they wouldn’t be out UNTIL THE WEEK OF THE MOVIE!! HELLO????? After we gave him an upset look, he then changed his mind and offered to bring out what he had. It wasn’t much. I thought it may have been an isolated incident but I quickly called another friend that was at another TARGET store and he got the same story. Can I be safe to say that TARGET screwed up, once again?”

I myself had some weirdness… one store, upon my entry, told me they had no Yodas. I didn’t ask, but eh, whatever.

And while we usually don’t report on errors, Ross found a neat one:

“I don’t know if you guys are compiling a variation list, but I came up with one that I haven’t seen reported elsewere. At Target in Bryan, TX (poor selection of EII stuff comparatively speaking) I came across an R2D2 with the “try me” part of the bubble filled in making the button on R2’s chest inaccessible. Don’t know if this is a variation or just a fluke, but I thought you might like to know.”

Also, a Wal-Mart in Tucson on Ina had employees telling people that Count Dookus that were put out were an accident and wouldn’t be released officially until May– which is ridiculous, Dooku’s just newer than the other figures. Lots of unusual comments were traded between employees and customers around town, so if you heard something that sounds like a load to you, don’t be afraid to ask around… it might be a fabrication.

Some K-Marts last night had out brown cardboard cases with one of each of fourteen figures for $89.99… and it’s online too, right here. It’s the first eight figures from Collection 1 combined with the first four from Collection 2 in one handy box, with a list on the top listing the contents. Truly, one-stop shopping.

Except for the 13 other figures that are also out.

Gift set collectors take note, as it’s a fairly unusual release in this day and age.

We at Yak keep receiving mail on the two figures Count Dooku, (the single basic, NOT the deluxe), and Anakin Hangar figures. Apparently these are not showing up like some would like, but I would like to say here and now that NO, neither one were “cancelled”. I personally got these figures last night, so they are out there. To dispell any rumors before they start, these figures are NOTshortpacked. Keep in mind folks, these figures haven’t even been out for 24 hours yet, and they will show up. These are main characters, and Hasbro is definitely not going to upset the fans by making some of the same mistakes as Episode I, (IE the Maul shortage in the beginning). Patience pays! Don’t resort to e-Bay, just keep checking the stores! Don’t feed the scalpers! Capiche?

Well, after just returning from my second toy-blitz, I must say that Wal-Mart did not leave me disappointed! So people, if you’re awake and reading, Wal-Mart stores across the country stuck, (for the most part), to the 12:01AM thing. Me? I, (John), hit the Easton, PA Wal-Mart at about 11:30 and yes, they made us wait. When it finally hit the time we were allowed to “scavenge”, there were a couple of card-bending freaks, but for the most part it was a nice atmosphere. The Stroudsburg, PA Wal-Mart was a lot calmer, and I found everything I needed. This is one happy reporter!

Also, I would like to say a special hello to 2 new friends/fellow Star Wars collectors that I met tonight and stood with. A special thanks to Mark for getting me the Snowspeeder, and especially to Vinnie for trying to get me another Yoda figure! When you guys read this, drop me and e-mail to keep in touch!

Good luck to all the fans out there who hit the midnight thing, and to those who are waiting until tomorrow morning. These figures were well worth the wait!

Are you too tired to hit the stores? Do you want to get into the frenzy via point and click?
Well stop into KBtoys.com, as they have many of the first wave of figures and all the LEGOS… UPDATE: They have added the Yoda and Anakin Hanger Duel figures.

While America seems to be getting snubbed on models, Japan is doing quite well, as seen over at HobbyLink Japan. The fantastic Fine Molds TIE Fighter kitis available now, and it looks great. A Jedi Starfighter is listed as coming soon, and this seems to be the only announced AOTC model kit so far.

We are very excited about today’s event (finally!). Order or pre-order over 80 different Star Wars Episode 2 items on our website or by calling 1-800-370-2320 beginning at 12:01am Eastern Time. The selection of items includes products from Hasbro, Lego, Master Replicas, Wizards of the Coast, Rawcliffe, Rubies and more! Telephone operators and our shipping department will be open late to process your orders!

The following is a list of items Entertainment Earth has in stock that will be ready to ship or pick up. Quantities vary. Items are subject to change and will sell out quickly. First come-first served at 12:01am Eastern Time!

After being announced last Friday evening, the Celebration II figure Jorg Sacul has been the topic of much debate. For those who watch eBay, the as of yet unreleased $10 action figure is already closing for over $100. Right now, there are four completed auctions for the figure at $150. Which is not really indicative of the actual worth of the still-unreleased figure.

The figure, while it will be “limited,” still might show up for sale at The Fan Club, and “limited” is a relative term. There might be plenty available for sale, we still don’t know. But if you’re so inclined, there are plenty of pre-sells for the figure on eBay as you read this news posting… check back for the latest on availability outside the convention, if it is to happen.

Now we’re in the home stretch– before you go to bed, odds are many of you will have at least one Clones figure, or are just a few hours away from getting one. As such, we’d like to ask that you please not send in your April 23 Attack of the Clones store reports in to us, unless you find something truly unique or a figure numbered beyond #0227, Count Dooku, since all of them are fair game for release tomorrow.

Even if there’s no midnight event in your area, remember many Kay-Bee stores will open at 8 AM on April 23 and there are several other stores that will be loaded with product by week’s end. Anyway, happy hunting!

LucasArts just put a trailer online for the new Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2 game.

Having just viewed it, we cannot reccomend it to those with slow connections– it shows no in-game footage, and the video of Jango Fett is not likely to be the in-game model (but if it is, cool.) If you have a fast connection, it’s probably worth a gander, but overall spend your download time elsewhere.

The Star Wars Saga figure of Saesee Tiin, apparently, has two surnames. On the front of his card, in the tray card, he’s called a “Jedi Master.” On the cardback, he’s “Arena Battle.” Interesting. Has anyone else noticed such name changes yet? If so, please write in and let us know!

MORE NEWS: Reader Randy had this observation:“I didn’t notice the name change, but I did notice that on the back of Dexter Jettster, the fig is pictured with some sort of pipe or hooka, but it’s not packaged. Just a little FYI.”

It looks like it’s fashionable to hate Episode I in the mainstream press once again, alongside what can best be deemed back-handed “praise” for the new flick, as pointed out by the ever-popular Drudge Report…

The features tend to explain the recent sextet of college posters, the more action-oriented scope of the toys and film itself, and even why we don’t see fast food tie-ins this time. All in all, good reads.

Also, TIME this week features the aforementioned article (or so I’m inclined to believe) along with Lucas interviews and a Yoda cover. Sounds pretty slick.

If you want to see pictures of all the standard carded figures for thi year the Dutch Star Wars Fan Club has come through for you. This thing is AWSOME, only one small problem– it appears only Australian Toys R Us stores are getting this poster. Click here to see it all. Spoiler warning definitely applies.

The poster includes five previously unseen figures– including a new Darth Maul and pod racer Teemto Pagalies!

“I found all four Star Wars Playskool sets at the local Fred Meyers today ($7.99 each for The Stompin’ Wampa and Fast Through the Forest – $14.99 each for X-Wing Adventure and Duel with Darth Maul). I picked up Fast Through the Forest and noticed that there was a sticker on the back amending Luke’s “Force” powers. After peeling it back, Luke was originally able to drop the Scout Trooper’s gun instead of knocking him over. He’s also able to grab onto the back of either Speeder Bike, a fact left out by the sticker.”

Ok, I have to address this to clear up a few e-mails we’ve been getting here at Yak. The Celebration figure, which can be seen here, is named “Jorg Sacul”. Now, if you take a VERY close look at the image, notice the greying beard and moustache. Now, take a VERY close look at the first name of this charachter… “Jorg”. Now the last name… Sacul… Hmmm, ironic that if you turn that around it spells L-U-C-A-S, isn’t it? (Don’t you just love eventual comprehension? It took me a bit to figure this one out too. VERY clever on Hasbro’s part!) Enjoy folks and grab those figures at the convention. Like posted earlier, they allow 2 per visitor, so if anyone wants to grab an extra for anyone here at Yak, let me know!

And The Celebration II Action Figure Is…
The moment you’ve been waiting for, unless you saw the unofficial news minutes earlier, is finally here. Find out why you’re wasting tons of cash to go to the other side of the country for a toy and a good time. The figure is only going to be $10 and two pieces per purchase– not a bad deal, really. It features the scanning technology of Gentle Giant Studios, so the likeness of the individual in question should be spot-on.

First Look: Traitor
News on the New Jedi Order series of book, such as the chronology, and some tidbits on the latest installment.

First Look: Mythmaking
Interviews, images, and more will arrive in this book, which will be due in November 2002. From the description, it sounds very promising.

Free Books at Celebration II
More than 10,000 books and comics– in Japanese, English, and other languages– will be given away absolutely free. Basically, you pick up a sack, fill it, and voila– free swag. Good times for all at Celebration II, kids!

Sandtroopers.com tipped us off that R2DToys.com is now posting this image of the Convention Exclusive. It is a Rebel Pilot, and there is an X-Wing included in the Saga style packaging, but the character is new to the Star Wars toy universe– if you want to know how it is, just click here. If you’re one of those boring people who wants to wait until the convention to find out, well, don’t click there.

Needless to say, it’s pretty neat to see it early, and we’re glad to say it’s not another Luke pilot or something dull, but something that will be a genuinely nice souvenir for the shindig.

Target stores are starting to mark their POTJ-era product down to the second round of clearance prices, meaning you can get AOTC Preview figures for around $3.20 and Deluxe and 25th Anniversary Figures for just under $8, assuming your local store has gone through with the markdowns. Despite the “embargo” on the new product, there’s still plenty of deals to be found at your local stores!

Here in Tucson, cases of the Dexter Jettster wave were spotted at just under $9 each at the Park Mall Software Etc., and reader Stef had some unique finds as well:

“Tonight I went to the mall in Middletown, NY. At the Software Ect store they had released the WoTC Attack of the Clones card game, so I finally got to pick up the Dark Side starter and a bunch of packs. The only thing I haven’t found yet are the four card boosters.

“But the best part was the also had out some of the new figures. They had 2 of each of the following. Shaak Ti, Plo koon, Boba Fett, Tusken Raider, Capt. Typho, Battle Droid. Priced at $8.99 a piece.”

HoloNet News, the official newspaper of the Star Wars Universe, has a new issue up today. New newsbits involve a “today in history” column, more stories on the Military Creation Act, and a blurb about Circus Horrificus, which fans of the Expanded Universe will recognize as the original employer of Malakili.

To the rest of us, Malakili is the Rancor Keeper, or Peg Warming Poison. Check out HoloNet News today!

Yesterday, we reported Target.com having a number of E2 products available on their webpage. I’ve gotten a report that Target.com backordered one reader’s order for the Episode 2 Slave I, until at least early May. So this may not be an early order opportunity after all. If you have any information on this, send it in.

Yesterday, we published a report on various clearance priced items at the Fan Club, some of which were cheaper than what was seen by some readers.

Due to an oversight on our part, I was logged in as a member when I looked it over– Fan Club members, apparently, automatically get lower prices on items, which is why the Carbon Freeze Chamber was a few dollars cheaper.

Last night on the University of Arizona campus, I saw several of the “U Seek Yoda” and “Purple Lightsaber” leaflets for Clones, and then a few hours later the maintainance people threw them out– so whoever’s putting them up, best not to leave stacks of them near garbage cans. If there’s a college in your area, it might be fun to see what’s being thrown up– I know I found it amusing.

Fans the nation over are using this handy FAO store directory to contact their closest FAO Schwarz stores to get their mitts on an upcoming Imperial Shuttle. If you don’t live close to one, don’t panic– I live in Arizona and I called the Las Vegas store, and they do ship these things. (It’ll probably cost as much as the toy itself to ship, but such is life.)

So if you want to get your foot in the door, hurry the heck up. I was #56 or so at the Las Vegas store, and if there’s truly only 5,000 of these to go around all 25 or so stores, then best ye pick up the phone and make with the ring-ring.

Once again, the toy is expected to be $125.00 and there’s a December delivery. The $125.00 price point makes this reporter think that a sell-out isn’t as imminent as some might think… that’s a lot of cash to sink all at once.

More on this monstrous menace comes in from Yak-reader “Vallis” who sends us this information;

“I just wanted to let everyone know that I called the FAO in Minnesota yesterday, and they told me the shuttle had not been confirmed. When I told them about yesterday’s confirmation, and the memos being sent out, they told me that if it is true, they probably did not get their memo yet, and that I should try back tomorrow (now today).
Well, I just called them and they said that they did get the memo. They confirmed the shuttle, confirmed the price point of $125, and confirmed that only 5,000 are to be produced! And they are taking names!
The moral of the story is, if you tried yesterday, and they didn’t know what you were talking about, CALL THEM AGAIN!
To get on the list, you need to give them your name, address, phone number and a credit card number.”

It seems that the 5000 production number is official. But before everyone gets in a panic, remember that these are NOT numbered limited editions, and Hasbro has been very good as of late listening to the requests of fans. My guess is that, if the initial release goes good, they’ll probably do another wave of these things, no bigee. I could be wrong, but if demand is there for a $125 item, remember folks, Hasbro is in business to make money first and foremost.

“Order over 80 different Star Wars Episode 2 items on our website or by calling 1-800-370-2320 at 12:01am Eastern Time. The selection of items will include products from Hasbro, Lego, Master Replicas, Wizards of the Coast, Rawcliffe, Rubies and more! Telephone operators and our shipping department will be open late to process your orders!

IF YOU LIVE IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA you can pick up your “in stock” merchandise at 12:01am (Please arrive early – line up begins at 10:00pm)! Here’s how you can do this:

1) ORDER ONLINE at 12:01am Eastern Time. WHEN YOU ARE ON THE CHECKOUT PAGE write “WILL PICK UP TONIGHT” in the ‘comments’ field at the bottom of the page, (the page where you enter your name and address) then on the next page choose the “Will Call / Customer Pick-Up (WC)” shipping method so we can prepare your order. There will be NO walk in purchases. You must place your order either by phone or on our website prior to pick up so we can verify availability and prepare your order.

2) YOU CAN ALSO CALL 1-800-370-2320 to order and tell our customer service representatives that you want to pick up your in stock merchandise at our warehouse here at Entertainment Earth – 12730 Raymer Street, Suite 1 in North Hollywood, California 91605.

3) Line up for will call begins at 10:00pm. Products can be picked up from 12:01am through 12:30am. Please dress warmly!

IMPORTANT POLICES:
“There will be NO walk in purchases. Orders must be placed either by phone or on our website prior to pick up so we can verify availability and prepare your order. No returns or exchanges will be available during the Midnight Madness event at our location. Returns and exchanges are available during the following business days. All other standard return policies apply.

Star Wars Connections with R2-D2 and C-3PO
All-new footage of the dynamic droid duo will air alongside The Phantom Menace, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi on FOX-TV in the coming weeks. See everybody’s favorite cybernetic pairing talk up the new flick, alongside comments on the originals. This promises to be interesting.

The New Boba at Celebration II
Daniel Logan, otherwise knowns as Li’l Boba Fett, will be at the shindig in Indiana in two weeks. Also, today (April 19) is allegedly the last last day to order your tickets online, so now’s a good a time to place an order for yours as any. See you there!

Rebelscum is reporting that FAO Schwarz will be getting the Shuttle after all. It’ll be $125, avaiable this December, and according to the report, limited to only 5,000 pieces– something this reporter assumes has to have been a typo.

UPDATE: Reader Kenny T had this to share:“I just called the NYC FAO and they said that were not taking pre-orders whatsoever for the shuttle. The woman told me they are still in talks with LEGO (I stopped her immediately and told her it was HASBRO, NOT LEGO) but she said it did not matter, the toy isnt made yet and there are no pre-orders for a toy that hasnt even been made yet.”

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: We’ve received several reports both supporting and refuting the story as seen at Rebelscum. So what’s the whole story? In short, we don’t know yet– but here’s hoping that quantity they posted was a crock.

TheForce.Net’s Episode II News Page (which, we should add, contains spoilers) has scans of three new AOTC books: the sticker book, a trivia book, and a Padme Amidala paper doll book. As always, some spoilers will be there, but it’s pretty neat stuff to get a look at.

We were tipped off to this auction which is for two in store promos for Frito-Lay’s Star Wars promotion. Jango Fett and Anakin Skywalker can be seen in a slightly fuzzy photo, but there’s no mistaken the Star Wars and Frito-Lay logos near their feet. Neat stuff, something to watch for at your local grocer’s.

Reader Richard has a tale of fun to share, with one of very few sightings we’ve heard thus far of the Playskool Star Wars junior-ized sets:

“I went to the Fred Meyers on 19th Street in Tacoma, WA and found the two speeders. A very nice and helpful employee brought out three cases of AOTC figures for me (even though I only had enough to buy six).

“She also put out the X-Wing and Naboo fighter Playskool sets. Those looked great. As for the AOTC figures, they had Jango Fett (Kamino), Boba Fett, Anakin Peasant, Obi-Wan, Kit Fisto, Plo Koon, Shaak Ti, Battle Droid, Super Battle Droid, Tusken Momma and Child, and I’m sure a couple others I’m forgetting. I got the last R2, 3PO, and Padme. It looked as though employees already went through the boxes.

“When she read the box, she said, “On shelf no later than… Oh! No sooner than April 23rd.” I asked her if she wanted the ones I was going to have back since I didn’t want to get her in trouble. She replied, “No, that’s okay. We’ll just say that today is April 23rd.” Whattagal! If I wasn’t already married… :-)”

This one baffles me a bit. I called the TRU hotline to see if any of my local TRU’s were opening at midnight, and I was told that NONE of the Toys R’US stores in Pennsylvania would be opening at 12:01 AM for the Episode II toy release. Being that this is the state I live in, and considering that they did open for Episode I, please, before anyone is disappointed, call the TRU hotline ahead of time to confirm that your local TRU is participating! It could save you a trip, and you still have time, even if you would have to travel a bit, to reschedule to reach a TRU that is participating. The hotline number, for your pestering convienience, is 1-800-869-7787. With that said, now back to our regular news.

Who doesn’t? For all of us who would like to enter for one of these, you’re in luck. JediAries sends me this information about their latest drawing over at the Alien Cantina…

“New Alien Cantina GIVEAWAY! Kubrick 300th Fett in Tin!
The Aliens at Jedi Aries’ Tattoine Alien Cantina are pleased to announce their latest free drawing for a Kubrick 300th Boba Fett in a special Fett-labeled Aluminum Tin. To enter the drawing, visit the site now at The Monthly Post”

“I was just at a local “party store” and was suprised to see a full section devoted to AOTC. What I saw was a complete world of party favors. All the merchandise had the AOTC images shrunk and fit to package size with gold colored “starwars” logo with ROTJ lightsaber holding hands except for the four sided gift bag. The stuff available included:
-A gift bag with four differant illustrated sides including a a cool side panel photo of Count Dooku with lightsaber
-A four pack of Chinese yo yo lightsabers. Each a different color and
individual handles.
-A four pack of plastic mazes… as in rolling the BB into a hole across photo of Padme,Anakin, etc.
-A pack of AOTC party invitations saying…”be mindful of the force.”
-AOTC party favor gift bags filled with candy and what not’s.
– AOTC themed tablecloths, paper plates, napkins”

Ian McDiarmid, the actor behind the various forms of Palpatine, was born on this date in 1947. At 55, he’s probably off somewhere wondering when the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine figure will be released just like the rest of us. Or getting cake or something. Either way, we wish him the best and hope for many more happy returns!

Several readers and a blurb on TFN have directed our attention to a trio of websites connected to flyers being posted at colleges to promote the onslaught of Clones this May. Promotional splendor and esoteric weirdness abound at these three sites, which, if you have the right plug-ins, are vastly entertaining. They are:

Downloads– good ones, not the usual junk we’re treated to– and lots of other awesome extras are here, so spend some time at them. You won’t be sorry. Fans of the work of Art Chantry will get a big kick out of much of Kamino Rentals– the downloads are some of the neatest things I’ve seen in a while.

This is easily one of the most innovative ad campaigns I’ve seen for a movie, and I think most if not all of you will get a big kick out of them.

A boatload of goodies, great panels, and more await you at this linke as it’s chock full of the collector programming at Celebration II. From panels on unproduced toys to a Q&A with LucasFilm to an auction, there’s a lot to like here.

“My local Kohl’s department store has their entire Star Wars Episode II line out. The only new thing I saw that I hadn’t before was the yellow Jedi Speeder and Zam Wessels speeder. Pretty cool stuff, thay had most of the regular figures and all of the Deluxe figures out on the pegs. However $9 each for the regular figures is a little steep with only 5 days to go. This is probably the case at all Kohl’s stores since my friend in New York called me this morning to tell me his Kohl’s had put out all of their Episode II stuff.”

“Entertainment Earth now has Star Wars Collectible Pewter Figurines in stock. All of the most popular characters and vehicles are availabe in hand crafted, highly collectible pewter. Made in the USA of the highest quality pewter.”

John Paul of the infamous 501st Stormtrooper Legion sends in this news:

“501st Members Gear Up For Toys in Philladelphia Region Just wanted to put the word out to everyone in the Philadelphia, PA area.
FAO Schwartz in the King of Prussia Mall will apparently be the only store in the Philly region to have a Midnight Madness sale on 4/23 for the EP II Toy Release, and the 501st / Garrison Carida will be there!!!
Fans & collectors will have the opportunity to have their photograph taken & interact with the troopers.
FAO Schwartz is located in the King of Prussia Mall Plaza
160 Gulf Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Also, our sister Garrison, the Empire City Garrison, will be attending the huge FAO Schwartz store in NYC.”

“I sent you a e-mail Saturday night telling you how I found the two player set at the local mall. We’ll guess what. I went back to the same store today and picked up a 12 card booster pack and a light side starter deck. This time I stopped to talk to the guy behind the counter (after he already sold me the cards). He said that is all they got in and they are coming in here and there. They are coming in as early promos of the game and they are just putting them out for sale early. Once again the name of the store is BC Sports Collectibles (they are owned by EB). Hopefully others will have luck at their local BC Collectibles and find some early cards. Once again I live near Poughkeepsie, NY”

Suncoast Motion Picture Co., a popular mall movie store, has also received shipments of the Jedi Starfighter from Hasbro and is selling them at $22.99 a pop. If you want one and you want it today, it might not be a bad idea to peruse the toy section of Suncoast or its family of stores (Media Play, Sam Goody, etc.)

STAR TOURS
While these have been posted before, they’re still up for your viewing/buying pleasure. Two different droids have been posted by the same seller, and they’re pretty neat to see.#1723071556#1723072759

DROIDS
Also, a seller is selling custom figures based on the originals of the unmade second series of Droids figures from the old cartoon show. Pricey, but neat. (Again, these are not prototypes, but look like them.)GaffVlixKleb Zellock

As a result of last week’s worth of postings, we’ve been sent a virtual cornicopia of chip-related news and information. We’ve now chewed it up and spit it up in an easy-to-digest form for your amusement. Enjoy!

STAR PICS
3D “Star Pics” are being given away in specially marked sacks of Frito-Lay snacks like Doritos, Lays, Wavy Lays, and Cheetos. There’s 10 different ones, 9 of which come in multiple colors. Early reports say that one, the Clone Trooper, appears exclusively in yellow. The items combine to form a small puzzle with several images that appear when you assemble (and collect) them all, with the “secret” characters being classic favorites like young Anakin and Luke Skywalker.

As far as the packaging goes, different character photos appear on different bags. So if you want to collect these, there’s a lot of stuff you’re going to have to buy.

Reports indicate that the Clone Trooper will be difficult to find for some reason or another. If you shine light through the back, apparently they go from looking lame to looking like a 3D image of the character in question.

Click the image links below to see them. We’ve gotten questions on a trading ring for these things… well, if anyone sets up a trading site, we’ll give ya a link. Early reports indicate that these things look great, so it might be worth snagging a bag of chips to see them in person. Since, supposedly, they look really cool in person.

A shout-out to Jarrod Lundberg, Kraig McLaughlin, Todd Clayton, William Dilts, Jeffrey Buholtz, and Todd Bowersox for their contributions.

UPDATE: Reader Ian noted “Yet another thing to add to the collecting here. There appears to be a number of different inserts with the pic. I have found three so for, and I am guessing that there are five altogether to cover the rest of the characters on the 3D pics. The inside of the inserts are all the same.”

Some fairly hokey, but nevertheless amusing, comic book-style advertisments were also posted to TheForce.net’s Collecting Page which focus on Anakin and the Reek as well as the Slave I vs. the Jedi Starfighter. These were printed in some of the upcoming children’s books.

Lastly, TFN’s Episode II Page posted some images of the AOTC Cross-Sections book. Since the E2 page has E2 news, consider this fair warning for those wary of all things spoilerish.

“I just recieved the may issue of Maxim magazine (with Kelly Hu on the cover) in the mailbox today and there was a pretty good interview with George Lucas, Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christiansen, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jimmy Smits.

Those brave enough to peruse the spoilery seas should check outTheForce.Net’s Episode II Area for excerpts from a George Lucas interview regarding the fate of N’Sync and another awkward holiday special moment.

In the “Think You’ve Seen It All” File, we have a new entry: Shane’s Archive of Tattoos and Toys. Featuring toy prototypes, tattoos of Star Wars, GI Joe, and TransFormers, and some other notable things, this is definitely not a the kind of site you see every day– but it is worth a few glances.

The scrapbook is full of neat shots of minor characters in their scans, with a few but not too many spoilers. Basically, if you want a look at background characters in the flick, this is something you’ll want to see.

The storybook, as expected, tells the story. Lots of neat images, but of course there’s going to be a few spoilers due to the nature of the book. If you’re into this stuff, don’t miss it!

The Classic Trilogy in 30 Minutes!
The University of Southern California School of Theater put on a production of the original three flicks on stage in 31 minutes… find out more and see some pictures on the official site. They will also be playing 11 performances of their show at Celebration II, which should be interesting to say the least.

Replicating the Details
Another featurette on the new Master Replicas line of prop reproductions, highlighting the company and its first two offerings. If you haven’t read it before and elsewhere, it’s new.

A hard to find proof sheet for the Power of the Force II Theater Edition Luke Skywalker has been added to the prototypes section of Yakface.com in theProof Cards area. In addition, if you have yet to see the carded sample of the the unproduced Qui-Gon Jinn vs. Battle Droid two pack be sure to check that out as well in the Sample Mock-Ups section.

Apparently some of us missed this post at Rebelscum from last March outlining the bulk of exclusives up for grabs this year. While it isn’t final, it does list some interesting items, like the Celebration II figure as a Rebel Pilot with Micromachine X-Wing, the oft-mentioned Stormtrooper four-pack, and the figure and accessory sets. Nifty!

Borders Book Stores are already starting to put up AOTC signage for the prequel sequel. Apparently, they and other stores will all be sharing a similar design: a bright blue background with large images of key characters from the film.

Also, the stores I visited today had pushed a lot of their Star Wars product to the front of the store, meaning more Action Figure Archive books as well as a few more Aurra Sing masterpiece editions books may be at your local store. So if you’re still in need of some papery Star Wars goodness, try those bookstores again.

Many readers have asked of the Yoda wave– which includes Yoda, the new Zam Wesell, and the red Clone Trooper– will be out next week with Kit Fisto, Outlander Peasant Anakin, Jango Fett, the Professor and Mary Ann.

We’ve gotten one unconfirmed report and one confirmed report of a reader finding one Yoda in a Wal-Mart, and he said it was the only blue carded Saga figure there. Today, another longtime reader and contributor DarthSlapshot sent in the following case assortment info from boxes he saw first-hand at his local Kay-Bee store:

…along with news that this is expected to be out on April 23. As there was one report of Yoda, along with confirmation that some stores already have the Taun We, Royal Guard, and Luminara Unduli wave, it looks like April 23 is going to be one very, very expensive day for us all. If you find any Yodas or whatnot lying around your local stores early, don’t hesitate to drop us a line, we’d love to hear about it!

While we take great pride at Yakface.com to insure unnecessary spoilers don’t make their way into our features, sometimes the worst happens. As we’re constantly bombarded with information of all sorts, we sometimes forget to double-check our words and, in our haste, things get out that shouldn’t.

Of course, I refer to today’s With Every Question for Justice. I took a question that contained a spoiler regarding a character that may not have been appropriate regarding the timeframe with the upcoming movie, and some of you were highly upset. For this, I am sorry and I hope this accident does not hurt your opinion of this site, high or low as it may be.

The offending spoiler has since been removed from the column so it should be OK for you to read at this point. While we exercise caution in these situations, sometimes they’re unavoidable, especially when there’s a lot of excitement brewing over what promises to be one of the most entertaining films of 2002. Those truly interested in avoiding all spoilers should be wary in the upcoming weeks, as there will be a lot of them coming in from all sides, from a slip in a celebrity interview to a picture of an upcoming toy. Unfortunately, this is the way the hobby works sometimes, and as a result those wanting to be surprised may have their otherwise good time ruined.

Once again, I deeply apologize for the error made in today’s column. But enough of my blabbing, on to the news!

Over the past few months, there’s been much in the way of tidbits and speculation concerning the 2002 Wal-Mart exclusive figures that will be coming from the Cantina sequence in Star Wars and the Nightclub from Clones. While nothing official has surfaced, we’ve been ferreted a bit of info from more than a few sources, and we now present to you what we’ve been hearing in the off sense you’d like to try and make some sense of it.

As always, please note that this posting is full of information that isunconfirmed.

CANTINA PACKS
Late last year, there were rumored to be four packs, each with one of three sections of the cantina, and one would be a duplicate section. Hunter from 4-Inches sent in this list today:

So our oldest and newest blurbs say that’s what these are. However, earlier this year the buzz was that these were actually going to be two-packs of figures. So what’s the final deal? We just don’t know. We just like to stir the pot sometimes.

As far as the nightclub aliens go, everything we’ve heard so far would indicate they were to be two-packs. But, as always, we’ve seen no pictures or press releases so this may change.

If you have any info on this matter you’d like to share, please write in!

Reader DarthDav tipped us off to a little shindig he’s coordinating for Midnight Madness at a Toys “R” Us in San Mateo and San Francisco , CA. If you’re in the neighborhood and would be interested in attending, kindly click over tohttp://homepage.mac.com/starwarsparty/ for the full scoop on how you can insure you get your Star Wars Go-Gurt while waiting on line!

Artoosnews found an article on CNN with the details about the New York Premier of Attack of the Clones. The premier will be May 12, 2002. It will benefit 9/11 Victims and underpriviledged children in New York. Click here for the full story.

WARNING: A spoilery question slipped under the old radar today, so if you’re worried about the fate of one non-major character in the film, please do not read today’s update. Anyway, back to the post.

With Every Question For Justice, our Q&A column, looks at the belt buckle of Snaggletooth (aka Zutton,) rumors on the Celebration 2 figure, and the chances of a 12″ Shmi figure. If you want to know, or at least get some discussion brewing, be sure to check it out.

Also, the final update of Q&A before the release of AOTC will be posted on April 30. So if you have a question, please send it on in!

If the volume of questions kicks up, there will be a Q&A Megathon– that’s 10 questions every work day– until the deadline. So get those question mark-covered suits on and send in a question today!

TheForce.net Collecting posted a report on new, upcoming masks from the new and old films. Highlights include Jango Fett’s weapons and helmet, a Scout Trooper mask with a flip-up visor, a Clone Trooper helmet, and a life-size replica of the AOTC Yoda, replete with… uh… the accessory that most people are ooh-ing and aah-ing over. If you want to read the whole report, click on over toTheForce.net Collecting and, as always, those not wanting to know anything about the film would be best served by not clicking the link.

As a result of last week’s worth of postings, we’ve been sent a virtual cornicopia of chip-related news and information. We’ve now chewed it up and spit it up in an easy-to-digest form for your amusement. Enjoy!

STAR PICS
3D “Star Pics” are being given away in specially marked sacks of Frito-Lay snacks like Doritos, Lays, Wavy Lays, and Cheetos. There’s 10 different ones, 9 of which come in multiple colors. Early reports say that one, the Clone Trooper, appears exclusively in yellow. The items combine to form a small puzzle with several images that appear when you assemble (and collect) them all, with the “secret” characters being classic favorites like young Anakin and Luke Skywalker.

As far as the packaging goes, different character photos appear on different bags. So if you want to collect these, there’s a lot of stuff you’re going to have to buy.

Reports indicate that the Clone Trooper will be difficult to find for some reason or another. If you shine light through the back, apparently they go from looking lame to looking like a 3D image of the character in question.

Click the image links below to see them. We’ve gotten questions on a trading ring for these things… well, if anyone sets up a trading site, we’ll give ya a link. Early reports indicate that these things look great, so it might be worth snagging a bag of chips to see them in person. Since, supposedly, they look really cool in person.

The Dark Side Collector is giving away a AOTC Plo Koon. The contest starts April 15th and ends April 22. All you have to do to enter, is send in an e-mail with you name and address. (One entry per person/per day) Click here for more.

Readers are reporting that Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi has appeared on eBay, right here. While the item is listed as on-hand and ready-to-ship, no official word has arisen on who will be getting this figure, which is presumably an exclusive.

JediChris.net is having a huge Attack Of The Clones giveaway! We are giving away 14 Episode II figures. These include Wave 1 Collection 1 and Wave 1 Collection 2. The only catch is that you must be a registered forum member! Good Luck!

Death Star Plans has launched their first action figure “Talk Show”. The Talk Show will feature DSP staff members and readers along with special guests represented in action figure form. With the use of the figures they will play out many shows interviewing anyone that wants to participate. This first show will include Jim from Federationtoys along with DSP’s webmaster and artoo-seventynine as the hosts. If anyone is interested in appearing as a guest or just a cameo in future shows, click here.

“I found the Anakin speeder, Zam speeder and the Reek at the Colma, CA Kmart today…at first the speeder didn’t ring up on the registers but the clerk looked up the price and allowed me to purchase…there were also the Star Wars themed games of Life, Stratego and Epic Duels (with some cool painted figures from all 5 films, allowing a battle between many different characters from the old and new trilogies) and four puzzles also featuring a cross-trilogy image…”

Unleashed to the collecting community are pictures of a rarely seen unproduced mock up carded sample of the cancelled Qui – Gon Jinn vs. Battle Droid two pack. Just hit Yak’s toyguide link located to the right. From there hit the prototypes link and enter the Sample-Mock Ups section. Since I’ve upgraded to this carded sample I’m parting with my unpainted first shot example. If you are interested in obtaining a first shot example feel free to drop me an email.

The Jawa crew over at the Sandcrawler Workshop invite you over to sign up to be notified on the site re-launch and a chance to win a Toy Fair Vader. the Sandcrawler Workshop has been online for several years but has mainly been a restoration service working out of the Chicago area. They are now putting years of expertise online so if you need help with any vintage Star Wars vehicles, stop by the Workshop.

We’ve gotten a few inquiries (and submissions) lately regarding the AOTC food tie-ins. We’ve been sent a scan of a chips bag with AOTC C-3PO and Obi-Wan Kenobi on it, although so far no tangible goodies like cards, figures, or stickers have been announced (or seen) as premiums.

Lately, we’ve received several reports of the familliar green box being covered by the not-so-familliar red tag of the toy discounter… here’s a list of recent finds and some others in case you missed them.

Target
Deluxe figures “down” to $11.10. 25th Anniversary 2-packs down to $11.10. POTJ and AOTC preview figures reduced, in some stores, to $4 and mixed change.

Toys “R” Us
Deluxe figures down to $4.97. So far, Bacta Luke seems to be the only one left in most locations, but it’s still a great deal. Some stores are still getting the BoShek wave ($5.99 per, no discount.)

“I went to my local Barnes and Noble (Albany, NY) today to get a book and stopped at the star wars section. My jaw dropped when I saw the Attack of the Clones trade paper back! I obviosly brought it. I don’t want to give anything away, all I’m going to say is that it’s really good, very sad, and is nothing like the other movies.”

“I was at two TRUs today and noticed that the deluxe POTJ figures were marked down to $4.97 a piece. The first store I was at only had Bacta Luke, but I lucked out at the second one I visited and got me a deluxe Leia. Here’s a receipt scan for you as well.”

(We opted not to repost the receipt. It is dated 04/12/02 and from Federal Way, WA.)

Star Wars Naboo Fighter Lifesized Prop
While the description doesn’t say anything about what it is or where it’s from, it’s a big Naboo Fighter with a buy-it-now at just under $28,000. If it’s real, it sure is nifty.

The snack food premiums are here. Yak Reader Ian just sent in this review: “I just got a Mace Windu out of a bag a Cheetos. These are so cool. At first they do not look like much, but when you hold them up to light the image really does look like Sammy in all his a glory. These are going to be fun to collect, especially since it looks like there are at least five colors that each one can come in, although it looks like the rare Clone Troopers one may one come in Yellow.”

“I’d like to take a moment of your time to let you know
of an exciting feature coming to FFURG in May to
celebrate Star Wars’ 25th Anniversary.

The 25th Anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope is in
May and to celebrate this momentous occassion, FFURG’s
May Casting Call will honor the vintage era of Star
Wars figures. For the May Casting Call, customizers
are asked to submit their renditions of characters
from A New Hope created in the vintage medium. What
this means is that submissions of ANH characters
should be made of primarily vintage Kenner parts or
vintage-like parts. Customs using few modern parts
will be accepted, but we ask that you not submit
customs that are made primarily from figures from the
modern line.

So to submit your vintage ANH customs to FFURG’s “Star
Wars: ANH 25th Anniversary Casting Call”, send your
images to dan@ffurg.com. Then check back with FFURG on
May 25th to see the premiere of this auspicious
Casting Call and celebrate the adventure that is Star
Wars.”

So we all know the news that Kmart is in serious financial trouble. However one would have to wonder why on earth they would be carrying these in stock on the website in the Toy Department? The Star Wars Phantom Menace Refurbished Pinball Machine is in stock for the low price of $4999.99. But hey, if they continue to do poorly, this may go on clearance.

In case you missed out on this one, the Target.com store has the 12″ Speeder Bike with Luke Skywalker in stock still, but for the not so cheap price of $39.99, of course if anyone knows any coupon codes for them, send it in so we can post it.

Because we all love Star Wars, and because of America’s love affair with yogurt one can eat on the go, we present this report from DD:

“I found the Star Wars Go-Gurt at my local gocery store today. The box has Anakin on the front and pictures of Anakin, Vader, Kit Fisto and Shaak Ti on the back. The tubes of yogurt inside have picturs of Luke or Vader on them and have glow in the dark lightsabers on the tubes!“

The Official Site is reporting a few new things about the biggest Convention for Star Wars this year…

First, April 19 is the last day to order your Celebration II badge online. So keep that in mind.

Next, Leeanna Walsman (Zam Wesell) has been confirmed as a guest, as has Bonnie Piesse (Beru Whitesun).

Lastly, they’ve announced an art exhibit– familliar names like Chris Trevas, Dave Dorman, and many others will be showing their fantastic art off to the Star Wars public, so be sure to check it out if you’re there.

Apparently a lot of scans from the visiaul dictionary have shown up here… as it does go into details regarding the film, its plot, and its characters, you’ve been warned that this is spoiler-filled territorry.

This just in from Yak Reader Casimir. The Wal-Mart in Dallas, Texas had two of the Playskool Star Wars sets (X-wing and Naboo Fighter). Unfortunatly, these were coded “do not sell” along with the Episode 2 merchandise.

UPDATE: We later received this:

“Fellow Yak reader Loosetoon from just phoned to tell me he picked up a set of the Playskool series 1 sets for me at a Wal-Mart in Atlanta. (He already found his set in a New Jersey Bosco a few weeks ago.)

“These also rang up as “do not sell” but a knowledgable clerk in the toy section was able to confirm that it was OK to sell these before April 23. So keep trying!”

We’ve received lots of email on the fear of the final wave of POTJ figures becoming hard to find, and well, we’re glad to say that these figures are continuing to ship to retail. Tonight at the Tucson Toys “R” Us on Oracle, no less than a dozen sets of these three figures were spotted on the pegs. So if you’re one of the many still scouring shelves for them, keep your eyes open and don’t stop visiting the stores– the goods are still showing up.

Also, additional quantities of the Prequel Preview figures seem to be shipping as well, so if you missed those keep looking.

TheForce.Net’s Prequel area posted a lot of tidbits from the Episode II Visual Dictionary, from the significance of Concord Dawn to what the little emblem on the arms of the clones is. Lots of spoilerishness, though, but one thing’s for sure: this book is something that all fans of the movie will probably want to read.

“We have an extremely limited quantity of the newest assortment of Hasbro’s Playskool line of Star Wars toys for “kids”. The All In One Adventures Asst. 2 (Item# HS2645A, $38.99) http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS2645A contains 2x The Stompin’ Wampa, and 2x Fast Through the Forest sets. All backorders place before April 8th will be filled first. Order today!

Having forgotten to post this earlier, well, I figured it’d interest a few of you since the word hasn’t really gotten out.

Kevin Smith (of Mallrats and Clerks fame) posted to one of his sites in March that the fine folks of Hasbro let him direct two TV spots for the Clones. So for Kevin Smith fans and those of you who lament the lack of advertising for your favorite space toy line, here’s a piece of good news.

Just click here and go down to the March 27 update. But fair warning, some of this site’s content may not be suitable for some readers. (It’s good for us though.)

Spotted on the floors of Wal-Mart tonight (but unfortunately not for sale) was a case of the upcoming Lightsaber assortment.

Several non-electronic versions of these blades were in the case, with different handles and blades in four colors: purple, red, blue, and green. The blades were fully retractable into the handle, and “locked” into place when closed. To extend them, you need to push a button and gravity does the rest. Plus for those who might be of the younger set, there’s a belt clip on them for your Junior Jedi training needs. All in all, they were quite nifty, and will be at fine stores everywhere on April 23.

SRP is expected to be $7.99. They rang up as “see associate for assistance,” which translates to “nice try, fanboy.”

DarthDav sent us a catalog shot (or so it seems) of several new AOTC crew t-shirts from ILM, many of which are quite cool. Click here to see the image.

Highlights include:
– Dexter’s Diner t-shirt
Looks similar to a 1950’s/1960’s diner t-shirt. (I must have one.)
– Rumble in Rain hooded boxing sweatshirt
Jango Fett vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi. White shirt, red imagery.
– Gunship Bomber Jacket
Has an Attack Gunship patch, looks pretty great.
– Classic Crew T-Shirt
Has a nice Episode II logo on the front, and on the back is an Imperial logo with the words “Old Republic” and some colored boxes which correspond with the coloring on the Clone Troopers.
– Droid Work Jacket
“Serving the Dark Side” on the sleeve. Otherwise hard to see.
– Bad Kitty
Available in ladies and adult. It’s difficult to see, but it’s quite colorful.
– Retro T-Shirt
Looks like the old ringers sold in the time of the original Star Wars. The design is really something, available in ladies and ringer.

Right now, I would like to point out that these are crew items and are not made available to the public at large. It is unknown (and unlikely) that they will be sold through the Fan Club or similar venue, but I know I’m really hoping they will, as these are all pretty cool as far as Star Wars shirts go. These are much neater than what they usually sell in stores, especially when compared to Episode I’s offerings.

Rebelscum has managed to obtain, scan, and post the catalog that comes with some Clones toys. Some of the more notable entries include Ultimate 12″ Jango Fett fully assembled, Mace Windu (Genosian Rescue), the 18″ R2-D2 Astromech Droid electronic toy, the board games, the Unleashed figures, and more!

It is by no means a complete rundown of what will be offered in 2002, but it offers a preview of things to come on April 23 and beyond. (Or earlier if you’re lucky.)

Here’s the details on the Diorama Workshop at Celebration II. Straight from Frank at Niubniubs Universe. There will be a 60 feet X 60 feet room to build a giant 16 feet X 8 feet Mos Eisley Diorama. All of the details, including blueprints of the Room, Diorama Layout and informatio on how Workshop Builders can bring home a piece of the Diorama as a souvenir 🙂 FOR FREE is available atFrank’s site.

This auction gives what may be the first glimpse of an Episode II crew shirt. This nifty shirt features a Clonetrooper design, and it’s an unusual design that we hope finds its way to the racks. (I’d buy it.)

Word has it other shirts are on the way for crew members, including one for Dexter’s Diner. We hope to keep you posted as these items come along, and if you see anything cool, please be sure to let us know!

The April 12 edition of Entertainment Weekly Magazine will devote a chunk of its pages to the prequel sequel, and a preview of the feature can be found atEW.com. The Clones will undoubtedly grace the covers of many magazines in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes open at your local newsstand for the latest.

TheForce.Net’s Episode II News page posted a short video clip with some previously unseen footage that aired on Australian TV with Episode I recently. If you’d like to see it, surf on over, just be wary that there are some spoilers here.

Following the reports of puzzles, Star Wars Life, and Star Wars Stratego, Darth Pen sent us word of this other new game hitting stores:

“I wanted to let you know the Jedi Unleashed board game has surfaced. A friend of mine who works at a local 24 hour superstore hooked me up with a few of them. I was worried about it not ringing in the register, but it did no problem. I haven’t had the chance to play it yet, but it looks pretty cool. It surrounds the final arena battle from the film.”

Unfortunately he did not mention which superstore, but we’ve since received reports from reader David that Meijer stores had the game for a paltry $9.99.

While doing some scanning for a soon-to-be-posted feature on the upcoming AOTC Slave I, I noticed that on the top and bottom of the box were a bunch of small X-Wing fighters…

I didn’t see these on the Jedi Starfighter box, so this was a neat little hidden thing that you might not have noticed. (Or might have noticed and are now wondering why I just wasted about 40 seconds of your busy day. Either way, there ya go.)

It may be on other packages, but all we’ve seen here at the Yak so far are some figures and two vehicles, so it’s news to us.

Yak Reader Unreal220 sent in some insight into Hallmark’s Star Wars Ornaments:

“When my wife pre-ordered this years batch of Star Wars ornaments she noticed that there were no miniature ornaments(her favorite). When she asked about it they said due to poor response they were not going to make them this year or next(they said they had the 2003 Star Wars ornaments made as well).If their is no consumer feedback the mini ornaments are done for good.

“If anyone wants to promote the mini’s we were told to call the 800 number(1-800-HALLMARK). We were told it takes alot of response.”

For those of you who missed the list ofornaments that are coming out, here’s a list:

HoloNet News
The Coruscant-based newspaper has a (relatively) new issue up, regarding Senator Moe from Malastare, Senators Implicated in a Slave Ring, a Garbage Launcher Misfire, and much much more.

Rebelscum
Rebelscum posted new shots of several figures, including the spectacular new Bespin Luke, which is nothing short of an amazing figure. It was well worth the wait. Also, there’s a packaged image of the new Qui-Gon Jinn shown at Toy Fair, and as expected he has his correct green Lightsaber.

The Official Site
StarWars.com has posted a neat blurb on some upcoming Lego pen sets. Also, a new making-of movie is up online as well as information on Episode II and IV Owen actors as guests for the upcoming Celebration. Lastly, they report there are more rooms available for the upcoming shindig, but only through tonight, so it might be good to get up there and make your reservation.

The Fan Club
The Fan Club still has Carbon Freeze Chambers in non-mint packaging for a paltry $12.99. Also, some members who ordered the Darth Vader (25th Anniversary Toy Fair edition) are being informed that the remaining stock is not mint, giving them the option if they still want them or not. This may means some not-mint figures will show up on the site next week, so check back regularly.

Dark Horse Comics
The feature linked above gives hints about new AOTC comics. It turns out the upcoming Open Season series with Jango Fett tells of his past, and the article specifically names Concord Dawn– a name that I’m sure will ring a bell for many of you.

TheForce.Net Collecting
TFN posted shots of some upcoming (and fairly cool) cake decorations based AOTC as well as previous films, and more importantly, a list of the Toys “R” Us stores participating in the AOTC midnight sale. If this is correct, many states (my own humble Arizona included) will not be treated to any such sale– that’s bad. (Although the source does mention this may not be the final list– that’s good.)

And if you come back here tomorrow morning, we’ve got another YakFeature for y’all. So we hope to see you then!

Yak Reader SWFREAKJPB found some of the General Mills Attack of the Clones Cereal boxes at his local grocery store. Here’s his report”

“Wow, I am really excited now. Its out sooner then I thought it would be. Go to your Local grocery store and in the Cereal isle you will find the new Star Wars Episode Two cereal. The first 2 collector boxes are out know. Unfortunately it does not look like they contain any premiums, but the boxes alone are pretty sharp. Also there are Children’s Movie tickets being given out in Boxes of other Big G Cereals such as the first 2 out, Trix and Lucky Charms. These will all have ads on the front and a Larger ad. on the back. Also There is a mail in offer on the side for Light Side and Dark Side cereal bowl and cup sets. The sets are $6.99 a set with the mail in form and feature Images form the Classic and Prequel Trilogies. There will be a total of 10 Collector Boxes I have been told for the Episode 2 Cereal. Know I have to keep my eyes peeled for the Foreign Kellogg’s boxes and Premiums, as well as the Big G Star Wars Racing team boxes and cars. Wow 2 cereal companies doing promotions at the same time. Great stuff. My Kind of Collecting.”

Well maybe not prehistoric, but defnitely pre-Wizards, and Pre-Fantastic Media.Artoosnews has posted a new feature about Bantha Tracks. If you weren’t a kid, or at least not a Star Wars Fan when the trilogy originally came out in the 70’s, then you are probably wondering what I’m taking about. Bantha Tracks was the newsletter for the first incarnation of the Star Wars Fan Club. Click on over to read the story.

The Official site has just announced that Celebration 2 will have a diorama workshop led by Frank from Niubniub’s Universe, who will be coordinating the event. I will be there during part of Celebration 2 as one of the diorama resource staff. Everyone attending the workshop will be working on a 3 3/4 diorama of Mos Eisley. On Sunday, the diorama’s parts will be raffled off. See you there.

While we ordinarily wouldn’t address this here, the inquiries we’ve gotten at the Q&A column make it necessary.

For April Fool’s Day, Rebelscum made two great, hillarious jokes. One of which was that all POTF2+ figures were to be released on the new blue cardbacks. The real kicker is that, apparently, other sites are starting to re-report this as fact. Kudos to Rebelscum on a great prank– Hasbro, a few years ago, said they would not release “old” figures once a new assortment came out. (For instance: POTF2 orange through green, then there was the flashback figures, and then Commtech followed by POTF2. No repeats after the divisions.)

(April Fool’s Day, for the unfamilliar, is a holiday in which pranks are done in the spirit of mirth and joy. It’s every April 1.)

It looks like Wal-Mart Corporate has taken action to end any more early sales of E2 merchandise (even if it makes it to the floor). Yak Reader MasterJedi wrote in that:

“I went to my local Walmart today and stumbled across a goldmine of Episode 2 merchandise that had been put out early. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t run through the register (which said SALE NOT ALLOWED). This had included 12″ figures, vehicles and some of the role-playing guns.”

Looks like we’ll be waiting until the 23rd for anything else. But on the bright side, the stores should have E2 merchandise in stock for the 23rd.

“I saw 3 different StarWars games at my local Big K today. Life,Stratego,and one called jedi masters I think.But what I reall want to telll you about are thes 100 pc puzzles I picked up. They blend classic characters withEpisode 1 & 2 images.Not big news but I think it’s the first time I’ve seen images”

Boba Fett: Kamino Escape from Attack of the Clones is the latest subject of our YakFeatures section! Be sure to check it out, unless you have this figure, in which case just go to your shelf and enjoy!

We’ll be posting more YakFeatures on the latest toys, so keep checking back with us for in-depth coverage of the toys that matter! (Well, they matter to me…)

NewsAskew, a Kevin Smith news site, has posted information on the Sci-Fi Channel’s airing of a new collection of Star Wars themed shorts, spoofs, and so forth to be hosted by fan fave director Kevin Smith (Mallrats.)

The show will air at 8 p.m. Eastern on May 12. Visit NewsAskew for additional information.

If you’re interested in high-end prop replicas (like what ICONS used to do), surf on over to the Master Replicas site. Currently, they show Luke’s Lightsaber from Return of the Jedi, Han Solo’s blaster, and two “mystery” items touted as coming soon.

Taking a missed cue from other collectible companies, they actually had the foresight to start a collector’s society– surely, this is something many of us would like to see elsewhere.

It looks like things are starting to dry up at Wal-Marts. While we have had a few more reports of good luck with E2 figure leaks, we have also had growing reports of Wal-Mart employees stating they have been told not to put on E2 product before April 23rd under any circumstances.

Yak Reader Phil’s story represents many readers experiences:

“I just came back from my local Wal Mart. They had just put out about 4 cases of Ep II Collection 2 figures and I was a little disappointed. Got them last night. Well I looked around and found 8 cases of unopened boxes. I grabbed one and sliced it open to find they were the figures from Collection 1. Well I loaded up the figures in my basket and made my way to the counter to checkout. Just when i was about to put them onthe counter, this lady coming off break came up to me and said, “You cannot have those. They are not for sale until the 23rd.” I played dumb and said, “I can’t?” and she told me I had to take them back. Boy was I pissed off. Why was it alright to have 4 cases of Collection 2 figures on the shelf and it not alright for me to get those figures. Well they know my face now so I will have to try out my other Wal Mart again tomorrow night! I guess word has gotten out to the employees. So tell everyone to be quick and sneaky about getting them if they see them on the floor. I was just too slow!”

Yak Reader Kinki Jedi wrote in with some insights on R3-T7 which may shed some light on where we see the little droid in E2. Out of deference to Spoilerphobes, I won’t disclose his theory on R3-T7 in E2, but I will tell you where he found the little astromech in E1. He spotted R3 in the scene where Jar-Jar, Qui-Gonn and Watto are walking into the Podpits and talking. You can clearly see R3-T7 working on a pod!

UPDATE: You can also see what appears to be R3-T7 in ANH and ESB, in Mos Eisley and on Hoth’s Rebel Base, respectively.

Creature Cantina was created on April 1st, 2001, to mock the galaxy we hold so dear to our hearts. Today they commemorate their 1-year anniversary. Be sure to check out the celebration with this massive update… multiple pages of humorous original content, a new comic strip, headlines, and biting satire. To thank their faithful leaders, CreatureCantina.com is holding a give-away with over $125 in prizes! So go and see what everybody’s laughing about!!

Several prequel news sites have posted reviews of this new book, which has scenes, having read many spoiler-filled sites, were news to me. Like big-time spoilers.

If you want to know everything you can about the flick before it opens, read these. They’re fairly informative and had some scenes I don’t believe I’ve seen discussed previously.

If you are wary of spoilers, do not read them. I don’t know how many suprises can be in the film for those who haven’t read the adaptations early, but if you’re looking to not know a few things, give the book summaries a miss.

“Howdy! Went to Target this afternoon & picked up multiples of the Preview figures for $4.55 each. The deluxe figures were “marked down” to $11 and the 2-packs were also at $11.”

For the record, Target has been selling the deluxe figures at the highest price out there at $15.99 each, and the Anniversary two-packs at the same price.

We’ve also received many reports of the Preview figures– and in some cases, other POTJ figures– dropping at or below the $6 mark at Wal-Mart and some Toys “R” Us Stores. Our local Kay-Bees are still charging $7.99 for their preview waves.

As a result, most stores are supposedly charging less for their AOTC figure. The Toy Run I took last weekend in Phoenix yielded dozens of AOTC figures at Wal-Marts (spotted, not bought) at $5.88 each. So if anybody’s going to be good at Midnight on the big 23 for prices, it looks like Wally-World.

Hasbro posted two features yesterday: a quick blurb on the official shelf date for AOTC toys, and a voting booth for favorite AOTC basic figure– you can vote for Amidala, Super Battle Droid, Anakin, or Obi-Wan. Currently, Amidala is in the lead with over 40% of the vote.

The Official Site is reporting that one of the hardest-to-find autographs in Star Wars is coming to the Indianapolis convention. Hayden Christensen and many other actors are being announced every week, so keep checking the official site for details!

The latest issue of the Star Wars Insider is now hitting newsstands at fine malls everywhere, and features new interviews with actors from the original trilogy, new prequel pictures including a Barada/Klatooinian Jedi, and a catalog section that’s only a few pages instead of half of the magazine. Highlights include quotes about Mark Hamill from 1970s teen magazines, some of which were pre-Star Wars. Well worth a look.

“This morning I went to a Wal-Mart in Jacksonville, FL and discovered
about 10 different AOTC figures on the shelves. I was shoving them into a box and was about to head to the register when a manager stopped me and said they couldn’t sell them to me. He said Wal-Mart could get fined $10,000 for every figure sold before the street date. I told that they were then out $40,000, because I had bought some the night before. He appear stunned at this revelation. He said they could lose licensing rights, and that somebody will lose their job over this.”

If all the Wal-Marts are taking this view, it looks like we may be seeing less product between now and April 23, 2002, but who knows.

OK, so it is not the wonderful nightclub act by Bill Murray singing “Our Star Wars”, however on April 16th you will be able to see the next big injection of new STAR WARS EPISODE 2: ATTACK OF THE CLONES footage on MTV’s TRL. According to Cinescape’s Article, we will see the first music video, “Across the Stars”, for AOTC, ala Duel of the Fates.

Curious as if the Wal-Mart Exclusive TIE Bomber is worth picking up? Well, YakLabs may help you make your answer today when you check out this brand new overview of the toy, complete with a review and lots of shots of the packaging.

(In short, I love this thing to death. But don’t take my word for it… take my pictures and all the other words I wrote as well.)

Obi-Wan’s very own transport has shown up at both Kay-Bee and K-Mart stores here in Tucson (and presumably elsewhere.) Interestingly enough, the toy sells for $21.99 and both of the stores. As this is a preview vehicle, you can most likely expect to see it at several other stores in the coming weeks. The Jedi Starfighter started selling in North America in early March.

And because we love to toot our own horns, don’t miss out Special Feature on the toy, soon to be updated– we’ve discovered that you can, in fact, cram Obi-Wan Kenobi (Coruscant Chase) in the cockpit.

Yak Reader Boba 29 wrote in with this from his local Wal-Mart. It looks like although some Attacok of th Clones Figures are making it to the sales floor, the staff may be starting to take them BACK to the stock room:

“I thought i might drop you this line that at the Scottsbluff , Nebraska WAl-Mart, I was able to snag some Episode 2 figures. I arrived at around ten that morning and discovered 18 , yes you read right, 18 boxes of Episode 2 figures. Unfortunately, I was only able to open one box and grab Jango Fett, R2-D2, Padme’ Amidala, C-3P0, Obi-Wan, Anikin, Super Battle Droid, and that weird green guy. But I guess that is rather a find. I grabbed them and right after I did , all the boxes were hauled away to the back till April 23.”

Since 1998, the folks at Beedo Sookcool’s Cool Sci-Fi Page have been collecting ideas for Star Wars toys that the collecting community want to see made. The list has been compiled over several years by poring over books, videos, comics, games, and collectible cards, and asking fellow collectors what they want to see made. The result is staggering. Click here to see it.

“I was looking at the AOTC Collection 1 figures I picked up this morning and noticed a true figure variation on the R2-D2 figure. There are 2 different legs molds as the picture shows . I have 3 R2-D2 figures.

2 of the figures are the figures on the left.
1 of the figures is the figure on the right.

All the figures have the same date stamp. I am not sure which is harder to get since I only seen 3 AOTC R2 figures, but as time grows closer to the real Release date it should be easier to tell.”

Wonder whats under the Super battle droid sticker on the back of the card?April 1, 2002 | 2:54 PM EST | Bill

Well Yak Reader Dan sent us the scoop!

“I peeled the sticker off the back of a AOTC super battle droid since I was going to open it anyways. Here is whats under it.

Yak Reader Garr wrote in to say that he found the Wal-Mart exclusive Tie Bomber and Hoth Peril at the St. Joseph MO, Wal-Mart, as well as the sneak preview waves and Attack of the Clones figures.

Yak Reader Dan wrote in with yet another major score at Wal-Mart on Attack of the Clones figures. Here’s the latest run down:

“I found 2 cases of the Collection 1 figures hanging on the pegs at walmart. I guess my walmart does not care about street dates because I already found collection 2 also at the same store earlier this week. The files attached are the pictures of the figures. here are the figures with info (I already email collection 2 list earlier this week and you guys posted it already.)

“The figs have landed!!!!!!!!! Wal-Mart in Dartmouth,mass has put out coll.2 assortment one, only about 2 cases, hurry this figures
are amazing!!!!don’t hesitate new englanders! Also they had a few jedi star fighters laying around.”

All things come to an end…and today marks an end of an era for Curto’s Custom Alliance. As of today, their third anniversary, Curto’s Custom Alliance is closing its doors. We wish Dan well in his future endeavors in and out of the Star Wars Universe.

Pegwarmer.com is holding a contest called Primary Targets. The prize is a POTJ AT-ST! And if no one wins something gets added to the jackpot. This is a contest where everyone has a fair chance. here are 5 trivia question per week which appear and dis-appear at anytime. First person to get all 5 correct wins!

We have a very limited quantity of the new Luke Skywalker Cold Cast Statue (Item# AC118, $379.99) from Attakus in stock now. This Luke Skywalker statue stands approximately 15 inches tall and is made of cold cast porcelain. Limited edition of 1500 pieces! Order today. “

Thanks for the headsup.
“I asked some corporate people about the “Midnight Madness” deal and supposedly some stores will be doing it(opening at 12:01am on April 23) but it doesn’t look like all the stores will be doing it. Most likely it will be only a few stores per district. Another thing I wanted to show was the E2 Buttons we got in to wear to promote the release of the toys. I attached a picture. One more thing, I was browsing through the computer and I found an item listed that I hadn’t seen listed before. The description is: 12″ TAUN TAUN W/LUKE and the number is SKN #549943 . Anyway I thought people might want to know.”

The Trade Federation has put together a list of everything that is coming out on April 23. Or to look at it another way, a check list for your Wal-Mart shopping between now and the 23rd. Either way, this list inclues it all, and, if that wasn’t enough, it even has links for every item so you can look at photos of them too!!!!! Oh, thi list is very official. The Federation found this list in the database on Hasbro’s Star Wars site. Click here to read all about it!!!

YakBak brings you our latest and greatest contest. This time the prize is one of the year’s most sought after Star Wars items– a 25th Anniversary 2002 Toy Fair Darth Vader!!!!!!

In order to win, just make the 500th post* on YakBak.

*The usual ground rules apply. The posts have to real posts. Posts which are merely I was here, gibberish, etc., as determined by the YakBak Administrator will not be counted in the total number of posts. Any YakBak user who makes this type of posts is not elligible for the prize.

Wal-Mart’s stock rooms are still producing LOTS and LOTS of Hasbro’s Episode 2 figures. In addition to receiving increasing numbers of Emails reporting finding Collection 2 3 3/4 Episode 2 figures, and the first wave of Episode 2 12″ figures, I personally witnessed it this morning at one Wal-Mart. At least 20 pegs FULL of Collection 2 figures, with more literally pilled on top of the shelf as overstock.

That’s the good news– at least for the collecting community– the bad news is that the E2 figure appearances seem to vary from store to store, even in the same cities. I went to another Wal-Mart– less than 10 miles away and was told no “blue carded” SW product would be put out for sale before April 22. Yes, the clerk said April 22– now whether he meant the morning of the 22nd or late that night for the midnight madness sale is unclear.

Looks like another of the long-rumored Star Tours exclusives has shown up on eBay.

#1716141855 has a new Droid figure. The same seller has some prototype unreleased and rare Transformers, like an Obsidian repaint as well as a Gold Optimus. Neat stuff to see if you dig your robots in disguises. Fans of Robots, check this out.

Where can you find 2 Darths, 2 Fetts, and lots of other great Star Wars personalities?

Join us on Episode II weekend, May 17-19, as the Sci-FI Expo celebrates 25 years of everyone’s favorite saga! We are pleased to announce the addition of Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett) to our already incredible celebrity lineup. See Ray Park and Andreas Petrides perform blockbuster fight sequences in a special performance entitled the “Movie Fight Xperience”. Find out what you toys are worth at our Sci-Fi road-show, join other fans Friday and Saturday night in Plano for a DLP (digital) presentation of “Attack of the Clones” (just 3 miles away from the convention center), see great behind-the-scene presentations by Movie Effects crew members, shop 200 exhibitors buying/selling/and trading old and new collectibles, videos, toys, comics, cards, and more. Tickets on sale now. Check out www.scifiexpo.com for all the details, and make your travel plans now!

“I work at a TRU in the Ca Bay Area and I just want to let collectors know a few things I found out. I asked some corporate people about the “Midnight Madness” deal and supposedly some stores will be doing it(opening at 12:01am on April 23) but it doesn’t look like all the stores will be doing it. Most likely it will be only a few stores per district.

“One more thing, I was browsing through the computer and I found an item listed that I hadn’t seen listed before. The description is: 12″ TAUN TAUN W/LUKE and the number is SKN #549943 . Anyway I thought people might want to know.”

Rebelscum has posted carded shots of Jar Jar, Nikto Jedi, Dexter Jettster, the Nikto Jedi, the Genosian Warrior, and Saesee Tinn. Apparently these five cats’ll be out in April with all the rest… a nice surprise.

Today we finally got some reports of these showing up in mailboxes, but not all of them were totally pleasant. All Around Nice Guy and Reader Kieth had this to say:

“Just wanted to let you know that I got my FC Vaders today and after looking at them, I think there are gonna be a lot of unhappy people out there. Vader is metallic and so is his saber but the saber is painted red metallic. Both of my Vaders have a silver ring on the saber where it was sticking through the bubble. The bubble chipped the paint off the sabers. It doesn’t look that bad in the package but it is very noticable when you (goodness gracious me) open it.”

A lot of people have written in lately about sundry Clones figures being sold early. Stores aren’t supposed to be selling them early, so if you’re goofy like me and go to all your Wal-Marts to check anyway, you’re more likely to not see toys than you are to see them. So don’t get your hopes up too much. The launch is only a month away, so anything found early would be a nice bonus.

Apparently open to club members only, a trio of bobblehead figures is up for grabs. $69.99 for a set containing Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and R2-D2 & C-3PO. 4,000 of each will be made, they’re numbered, and they’re available for pre-order online only.

The items are due for delivery in late April. Items made by Wizards of the Coast. Click here for more.

Rebelscum has carded and loose images of the upcoming Sith Lord. It turned out quite nice, so be sure to check it out!

It’s interesting to note that a prototype that appeared on eBay a while ago that was supposedly the Bespin Duel figure looked quite different, as the lightsaber had some blaster bolts coming out of it. That aside, it’s still an excellent piece.

Through the wonderment that is Strange and Mystical Contacts, I have been handed a copy of the commerical Episode II Soundtrack CD set for release on April 23. 13 tracks and an 14th bonus track clock in at 76:45, meaning that you can most likely expect a two-disc version of the soundtrack at some point in the future.

But will you want to wait? Probably not.

WARNING/GUARANTEE: The following contains track names and impressions of the music included on the CD. Those not wanting to know about such things need to get off the Internet until May 17. You may have read reviews elsewhere, so I’ll keep it briefer than the introduction:

Overall, it’s good. It seems there’s a lot more going on in these tracks than in the Phantom Menace, and like others have said, it sounds a lot more like Empire or Jedi in the style of music and the fact that there’s some more new things in here.

Surprises included an electric guitar on “Zam The Assassin and The Chase Through Coruscant,” cues of much of the Imperial March, Yoda’s theme, and action filled bits all over the place. I expect to hear these in Star Wars video games for years to come, they all just scream slashing, shooting, and other wacky fun action. Heck, it’s even got some of the Droid Army themes from Episode I… neat stuff all around.

The love theme, “Across The Stars,” which has been getting much attention, well, it’s not bad, but it’s no “Duel of the Fates.” (Fates, interestingly enough, is quoted on Track 10, “Return to Tatooine.”) There’s a lot to love on this CD, though, so if this isn’t your cup of tea you most certainly will not be sorry you bought it.

As I am not a student of music, I can’t tell you much about this that will sound intelligent. So I will say this: it’s got electric guitar. It’s very speedily paced. This sounds like a Star Wars soundtrack, there’s no mistaking that. There are somewhat romantic cues, stuff that just seems classic Williams (if you like that sort of thing), and well, you’ll want to get this. Don’t miss this one, kids. John Williams has gone out of his way to earn your money this time.

“WELL…..TODAY I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I WENT DOWN THE “STARWARS” AISLE AT THE WALMART THAT I HIT “EVERY SINGLE DAY”, TURNED THE CORNER, AND THERE WAS A END CAP…… FULL OF THE STARWARS EP2 AOTC COLLECTION 2 FIGURES (6 DIFFERENT ONES), 3 DIFFERENT 12″ AOTC FIGURES, AND AOTC LIGHTSABER SETS.

TALK ABOUT HITTING THE MOTHER LODE!!!! I WAS THE ONLY STARWARS GUY THAT SHOWED UP TODAY. I BOUGHT THE SOME ACTION FIGURES AND SOME 12″ FIGURES. HASBRO DID A SUPERB EXCELLENT JOB ON THE DETAILS OF ALL THE FIGURES. THEY ARE AWESOME!!!!!!”

“I hit the jackpot at a Northern CA Wal-mart today. The Wal-mart Toy
associate ( really nice elder lady ) accidentally put out the Episode 2 toys early. She said that she just put them on the shelves about 5 minutes before I got there and I was the first to buy them. I bought 15 Collection 2 figures in all. There was no Collection 1 figures. They also had the EP2 12 inch figures, but I passed on them since I don’t collect them.”

The Fan Club has marked down the Carbon Chamber with exclusive Bespin Guard down to a paltry $10.99. Less the $10 coupon you get with a membership, it’s a buck and shipping.

Click here to go to the Chamber playset directly. It’s a nice set, and it’s a steal at $11.

Also, there’s several dozen items for $1.99 or less, like the Mega Collectible Darth Maul (formerly $50), Cantina Aliens cinema scene for $5, tons of action figures for $2, and more. Take a few minutes and peruse their action figure section, you won’t regret it!

The Fan Club placed another batch of Toy Fair Silver Vaders on its site this morning, and they’ve once again sold out. The members-only offer was up for a matter of hours, and it looks like they weren’t sold out as implied over the weekend. So keep checking back on the site, it would seem.

You read it right. FRED52300 from AFTimes.com just sent us a scan of his recepit from Wal-Mart showing he purchased the first set of AOTC 12″ figures; Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Clonetrooper at his local Wal-Mart. Good hunting!!!

We’ve received several reports of the AOTC Lego sets starting to show up in various stores all over, from the Tusken Raider Encounter to the all-new Slave I. As a result, it’s time to check your drugstores, your toy stores, your better grocery stores (“better” implies they sell good toys), and so forth if you’re lookin’ for some new Lego stuff.

Of course, this is more or less a fluke when they show up, but not without reason: none of the AOTC Lego sets go out of their way to mention they’re from the new movie in any big lettering or with a new logo or anything. So to Joe Stockboy, they probably aren’t any different than the stuff out there now.

While they haven’t reached any huge levels of distribution, many of the sets have already found their way to eBay– so be sure to poke around there if you’ve got a few minutes to kill and need evidence before you go out looking.

Amusing Anecdote: we later received an email from Shawn that said the following:

“On a trip to Wal-Mart on Sunday March 24th, I found a cart full of boxes of E2 legos(it looked like four or five different sized boxes), of which the box was clearly marked DO NOT PUT ON SHELF UNTIL APRIL 23. However when I went to open a box, I was told promptly to stop because there was a mistake, and that these are not supposed to be out.”

Steve over at The Jawa has just re-opened their forums the help of Sandtroopers.com. The forums are called The “Jawa-Sandtroopers Community Forum”, and with the re-opening they are also giving away a Jedi Starfighter. All you have to do to enter is post in the “contest” section of the forum.

We’ve been getting a fairly steady stream of inquiries on what will and what won’t be available on April 23. For Episode I, we pretty much knew everything months in advance. This time, we aren’t exactly sure. In an interview at Rebelscum.com, a Hasbro representative made mention that (and I quote/steal) “As of now we plan to have at least the first fourteen basic figures available on April 23rd. Although, depending on production, there may be more.”

So, where does this leave you, the reader? Right now, we assume that the items showing up as “in-hand” on eBay (as in “in hand today” not “in hand and will ship next month”) will most likely be available.

Based on what we’ve seen, this is who we assume will be made available, in addition to the preview figures. PLEASE NOTE: the following is not an official list of what will be made available in April. So please, take it with a grain of salt. We compiled this list based on leaks we’ve heard on eBay and elsewhere as well as information fromHasbro’s 2002 Star Wars Press Release. Keep in mind that none of the as-of-yet unreleased vehicles and beasts are currently hitting eBay, which could mean they aren’t going to be out in a month.

Lightsabers, Unleashed figures, and additional product very well may be coming in April, but it’s tough to tell right now. It’s expected that we’ll see new figures at regular intervals, so keep checking back on your favorite toy sites for the latest.

In case you haven’t already heard, the 2002 Hallmark Dreambook is out and shows images of the entire 2002 Star Wars ornament line. While Darth Vader, the Death Star, and Luke Skywalker (Jedi) were previously known, you can now see pictures of Jango Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Jango’s Slave I. If you’re a Hallmark Club member, you can expect your catalog soon. If not, ask your local Hallmark store for a gander at their book.

That’s right, we’re here for you, and YakBak is giving back to our readers. We are going to have a series of contests with LOTS of prizes for our Yak Readers who become active members of the YakBak community.

Tonight we are proud to announce the first of the YakBak To You Contests. The person who makes the 150th post on YakBak will receive a complete set of the 25th Anniversary two-packs released this Spring. That’s right, make th 150th post and you will be the proud owner of one Luke and Leia Swing to Freedom, one Han and Chewie Death Star Escape, and one Ben and Vader Final Duel– shipped right to your door. This contest is for the 150th cumulative post in all of the YakBak forums combined.

There’s just one disclaimer– the posts have to real posts. Posts which are merely I was here, gibberish, etc., as determined by the YakBak Administrator will not be counted, and any YakBak user who makes this type of posts is inelligible for the prize.

Now that we’ve got the ground rules out of the way, click here to go to YakBak and start posting. Good luck to everyone!!! The Winner will be posted on both Yakface.com and the YakBak Forums.

“Just wanted to let you guys know, I just bought 2
cases of the teebo wave from Wal-Mart and they all
rang up @ a whopping .85 cents each. That’s right,
22.00 bucks for 24 figures. This wal-mart was in
Barstow, CA on 2-16-02. So, anyone going to Vegas on
the weekends from LA, don-t pass up these rare
opportunities.

P.S. Also, got 2 cases of the E2 figures but @ $6.44 a
piece. Such nice wal-mart employees up there!!”

Looks like Chris got a great deal for himself and his friends!!! As far as we know this seems to be limited to just this one Wal-Mart so far.

UPDATE: It looks like it may not be just one store, but the amounts of the discounts vary, and they may not be posted– if in doubt scan the figures to see what the price is. Here’s another report from Yak Reader P. Ramriez:

“I too got this great deal in which I got 8 figures that I needed(a mix of Koth, Zutton, and Teebo) for a mere $6.00. I would have gotten more but that was all they had ringing up @$0.75. This happened today at a Wal-Mart in Cleveland, TX. I went to other area wal-marts, but no such luck. What I think happened is similar to what happened with the 12″ Luke Speeder Bikes that initially rang up @ $12.00 a pop (clearance price for the 12″ Biker Scout). In this case, the $0.75 was the clearance price for the last wave of POTJ figures at this store. The Sneak Preview figures did not ring at this price because they have a different code.”

“I have started a new, very detailed site. It is still under construction, but it is going along perfectly. I am nolonger Detention BlockAA23, so that site is nolonger around, cancelled. This one actually outdoes DBAA23.” Click here to see it.

We have good news for you. Gadders.com have added to their list of vintage inserts. This time it is a very high res scan of the Creature Cantina backdrop and the sticker sheet – ideal for recreating missing or damaged items. They also have some new catalog scans as well. Click here for more.

The Official Site reports that cereal giant General Mills has launched a new site that allows visitors to view the brand spankin’ new Star Wars NASCAR designs. There’s a Trilogy car, an Episode I car, and an Episode II car.

In May, selected General Mills cereals will have an offer for 1/64 scale (Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Johnny Lightning size) versions of the cars, so keep your eyes on the cereal aisle for that.

Also, we’ve heard that the other major cereal giant, Kellogg’s, has some deals in the works for the new flick. What they are (and *if* they are) are unknown, so drop us a line if you’ve heard anything.

If you are looking for the Master Replicas, one of your fellow Yak Readers may be able to help. He will be opening his own store in the near future, but he has a small quanity of Luke’s Saber and Han’s Blaster that he will be seling on Ebay. His user name is thephantommenace, or you can contact him by Email at here.

“Got a glance at the new Billboard magazine today and there was both a small banner ad on the main page and a full page ad within the first 10 pages for the upcoming Episode 2 Soundtrack. Their will be 4 covers available: Yoda holding a ball of Force lightning; Anakin & Amidala with weapons ready; & Jango Fett. These 3 are listed as limited editions. The forth will be the new poster art, which was just revealed on line. They are set for an April release, I believe the 23rd. Unfortunately, I do not have a scanner available, but wanted to pass along the news.”

I’ve gotten a few emails to our Q&A column commenting on the strange new sculpting direction that the Toy Fair Silver Darth Vader seems to be taking. Well, there’s a good reason for that: it’s a repaint of 1997’s Final Jedi Duel Darth Vader, which came in a three-pack with a seated Emperor Palpatine and a very nice Jedi Luke. See the comparison below:

As you can (hopefully, the image isn’t perfect) see, it’s essentially the same figure in a great shiny new package.

Something else was originally scheduled for today, but since YakLabs got their Jedi Starfighter today, I decided to review that instead.

Included: a full review, tons of pictures, scans of the box from all sides (and large enough to read the text), and hopefully answers to all of your questions about this toy, other than “when will it be on clearance?”

Another feather in the cap of fans of both Sony’s console and Star Wars, a brand new title was announced yesterday. Bounty Hunter gives the player the chance to play as Jango Fett, and while it isn’t Boba, odds are it’ll be good enough.

A trailer for the game was shown on the recently released Jedi Starfighter game, also on the PS2. The game is on tap for Fall, and as of now, little else is known about it.

This evening’s toy run yielded a few Power of the Jedi Sandtroopers and Scout Troopers (Dirty) at Sam Goody and Suncoast stores at my local mall. They were $8.99 each, but if you’re in need of more of these guys, it’s probably about time to check the toy sections at your local music and movie stores.

First shots of the long-rumored Star Tours figures and a shot off of an AOTC cardback of new character Dexter Jettster are up at Rebelscum. As far as I know, the shot of the figure is the first shot available of the character so it’s definitely worth checking out.

The Star Tours items are being auctioned off by user Carol8123 on eBay.

FOR THOSE WHO FORGOT: A rumor appeared last year on a message board that Hasbro would be producing a series of toys for Star Tours at Disneyland. There was to have been a series of droid figures, presumed to be around a half dozen, which would include some new figures and some repaints as well as a replica of the ship from the ride itself. The poster originally said that the toys would be available at Disney parks and through the Fan Club, but as this is old and still unconfirmed information, the questions on where these will show up, when, and for how much are still very much in question.

“I was just at Waldenbooks (La Crosse, Wisconsin) and found about 10 Masterpiece Aurra Sings and 20 or so Masterpiece C3-P0’s, they also have “STAR WARS-The Action Figure Archive” for $3.99 (A very nice book). I doubt these will last long.”

The Official Site unveiled Drew Struzan’s latest poster, with images of the happy couple, Jango, Obi-Wan, the droids, and of course, Jerry Mathers as The Beaver.Check it out on the site or wait for it to show up at your local theaters and pop culture shops.

Recent reports and first-hand accounts from toy runs have revealed that many of Hasbro’s POTJ Deluxe Figures (Bacta Luke, Amanaman, etc.) are now being cleared out. Wal-Mart and Kay-Bee stores seem to have the most markdowns, resulting in prices of $7 or less for these figures.

Please note, Target still has theirs priced at $15.99, considerably higher than the norm (on-line or off.) Stay tuned for future clearance notices!

Death Star Plans.com is proud to annouce a vintage carded figure giveaway. This time DSP is offering a POTF General Lando a new home straight out of Deathstardroid’s personal collection. Anyone can enter. This figure is mint on a mint card. The bubble is super clear and is in perfect codition. The card is unpunched and is in excellent condition. Click here for more.

Yak Reader Tim has found a 3 3/4 scale E.T. Senator. Best of all it’s free!!! Tim wrote: “If you buy Mac and Cheese from Kraft you can get an E.T. figure. You have to buy a five pack and in the sixth box is an E.T. He very close to scale.”

“You hate to hear it, but it’s true: I bought 2 today. 1 has no writing on his jetpack, while the other has 3 areas: 2 , where the black circles meet right below and centered under the thruster caps (grey paint), and the other on the orange paint, center right, where the rocket meets the pack body. It looks in English to read “LEAJ,”
but it’s an alien language. Duh. Just a heads up.”

Well, I really liked all three of the first trailers. Now I have downloaded and watched this new trailer about 10 times now. I conclude that based on the trailers this movie is going to add life to the dying hobby we call Star Wars collecting. If this movie is only half as good as the trailers we have seen, it is going to be great. This new trailer has so much information coming at you in the short amount of time that it plays. System Overload!!! It is going to rock!!

Just in case you forgot, or didn’t scroll down, the fourth and final trailer for Attack of the Clones will be on Fox TV tonight between Malcolm in the Middle and the X-Files.

The trailer should be online soon if you miss out, and it’s also attatched to the flick Ice Age. Supposedly they show a lot of new creatures and vehicles tonight, so this seems to best of the bunch as far as trailers go.

Yak Readers are registering in herds to participate in YakBak. Once you have registered, go to the forum you want to post in, and click on one of the topics. Then just click on post in the menu at the top of the page, and type in your comments. Email me here if you have any technical problems.

We are pleased to announce the return of Yakface Forums in our new YakBak Section.Click here to register and try it out.
(Don’t worry it’s free). We already have a number of forum threads started. Join in the forums.

Fantastic site Rebelscum.com posted a new edition of Question Mark, this time having to do with Toy Fair. A most interesting answer came from the long-awaited (and presumed cancelled) head variants of the Imperial Officer and Rebel Trooper, and I quote:

“Yes, the variations are still planned and should be available prior to April 23rd.”

So there ya have it. Be sure to check out the full column for other great morsels of info.

Just a friendly reminder, the FOX Network will be airing the new “Clone War” trailer ofAttack of the Clones this Sunday between Malcolm in the Middle and the X-Files. From early reports, this applies to the USA only.

The trailer will also be attatched to prints of Ice Age, and, of course, will be available onThe Official Site soon. Sunday if you believe the rumors.

Early reports on the web speak glowingly of the trailer, showcasing new vehicles (which sound like must-have toys if Hasbro decides to do them), action sequences, and more. Lastly, this is the fourth and most likely final preview we’ll be getting before the film on May 16.

It’s a very exciting time to hit the stores, it seems, as people have sent us reports from the US all over about the latest assortment of figures from Attack of the Clones. (OK, it’s the only assortment.)

We’ve received reports from Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys “R” Us having these as well asEntertainment Earth and D&S Sci-Fi Toy World. So one thing is certain from the reports we’ve gotten and the set sitting on my monitor… these guys are most definitely out there now.

So don’t leave any stones unturned on your weekend toy runs… even some K-Marts have been getting in new Hasbro toys lately, so anywhere seems like fair game. Happy hunting!

“She’s one of the hardest-to-get Star Wars autograph signers! Carrie Fisher has sent secretarial and preprint signatures for years. Forgeries run rampant on online auction and dealer sites. Her Evolution signature card has sold for as high as $2,800. What do you have in your collection?

Several readers pointed us to the Star Wars Kid site yesterday because they doubled their quantity of downloadable figure backgrounds. There are now six pieces of artwork for you display needs, right here! Enjoy!

While it may not be news, I spotted a few copies of Terry Brooks’ book-on-tape version of the world’s most infamous prequel. A local B. Dalton Bookseller had a few copies on cassette for $9.98 each, not a bad deal for something to listen to on an upcoming road trip. In May. Assuming there’d be something worth going to, of course.

Depending how you define what constitutes a variation, we may already have a confirmed variation on the just releasing R4-M9 figure. Those little guys in robes over atThe Jawa seem to have found one on our newest astromech. They have posted comparison pictures of both “versions”. Click here for more.

I’ve gotten a lot of email to my Q&A column lately asking when the newest Star Wars picture would show up in their native soil. Sadly, I’m an Ugly American and know not of these things, unless they appear on the official site. And it turns out, they do.

Posted last November, this feature outlines the worldwide release schedule of the film, showing several countries to have a May 16 release date. Like all of Europe, almost, and the USA and Canada.

Mexico and all of Latin America will have to wait until June or July, but it looks like everybody on the list will have the movie in their moviehouses before August. Nicely done, I must say.

More sets of the all-new Star Wars Playskool All In One Adventures 1 Set (Item# HS2651AA, $36.99) http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS2651AA are in stock. This “children’s” toy from Hasbro is already heating up to be one of the newest Star Wars collectibles available. Order your set today!

The Private Universe has had confirmed by an Official Source that the much rumoured Imperial Shuttle is approaching! I have the official word on the release dates for the UK and US, as well as the rumoured pack ins, so head to TPU to read it here.

The “Dark Side Collector” is a Canadian based Star Wars site that we link tom and they are trying to compile a list of toy/hobby stores in Canada that sell new and or vintage Star Wars figures. if you know of any send the name, full address and if they sell Vintage, new
etc. to them here.

“Hey, just writing to tell u guys that surprisingly I found the hooks at the WalMart in Niles, IL. to be completely empty. But all 8 of them read E2 STAR WARS ! Does E2 mean Episode 2? Does this mean they are already set and waiting for AOTC figures? I found this to be extremely weird and I think u guys will too!”

Remember sneak preview figures are due in March so it sounds like Wal-Mart is getting ready. If you have any more info on this send it in.

Yak Reader Scott just gave us a heads up on these at KB Kids.com! They have both the Darth Vader and C-3PO helmets at a significantly reduced price. Both were orininally going for $60. The Darth Vader Helmet is now $29.99 and the C-3PO helmet is $19.99.

UPDATE:

Yak Reader Michael sent in these discount codes:

Toys, Videos, DVDs, Software, Video Games and Collectibles
$5 off your first order of $25 or more with Code: DENNYTOYS (exp: 8/31/02)
$5 off your first order of $40 or more with Code: KIDSLINKS (exp: 12/31/02)

I just received a cancellation notice from Amazon Toys R US saying that they are cancelling my order of the AT-St due to being “unavailable at any of our sources” they apologies and then continue to add to my rage by saying that they will add my payment to my account. This really angers me, not only did they cancell my order but the SOB’s kept my money and stuck it in an acccount. For What something else I can’t get. I can’t even begin to express my dissatisfied state with Amazon Toys R US. They didn’t even have the guts to send the notice with a returnable address. Try and find an email address on the Toys R US site, it took me ten minutes of going through hoops to finally find one. You don’t have to print this, but I think Toys R US sucks. Confession is good for the soul. Be sides being disappointed I now have to hunt for the darn thing. I don’t have a TRU within a 100 mile of me. I hope other people get their AT-ST’s and enjoy them, for those who may have gotten the same email I did, voice your dissatisfaction with Amazon TRU.

At this time we don’t know how widespread the cancellations are, if you have any information on this let us know!

UPDATE:

We have been getting lots of E-mail on this. So far no one else has reported canceled ordered, but reports have ranged from AT-STs which were thrown into boxed with very little packing (and arrived damaged) to AT-STs which arrived perfectly mint. Keep the news coming!!!

Amazon.com has the Star Wars Chronicles book on sale. Normal price for this book is $150.00, now $105.00. Any order over $100 has free shipping as well. This is the best Star Wars book I have ever seen or read.

In addition to the Masterpiece Edition C-3PO & Aurra Sing book and figure sets, theAction Figure Archive, and leftover copies of The Queen’s Amulet we’re getting reports from several readers that the From Star Wars To Indiana Jones softcover book– which is full of fantastic shots of props and storyboards– has been dropped to somewhere between $4.99 and $6.99.

We have also been informed that not all Borders and Waldenbooks are participating in the clearance, or at least not yet. Some stores still have old stock of the books at full price, meaning that their clearance shipments have yet to come in, and that’s assuming they will in the first place.

(Thanks to TimiFett, Dave, ins0mnia, and everybody I left out for contributing to this post.)

Congratulatons to Rick Schmidt, winner of our semi-monthly Ultarama drawing. Send in your entry now for our next drawing in 2 weeks!!! Remember you can only enter once per drawing, and you must include your name, address, and E-mail. Good Luck!

Last week we reported the Aurra Sing Masterpiece book had shown up on clearance, and this week, we’ve got another winner.

The fantastic Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive book from Chronicle Books has been spotted at Waldenbooks for $3.99 a copy. (Original SRP was $29.95.) The book has hundreds of photographs from the films, of the toys, and more from the vintage era through the end of 1998. If you’re looking for an excellent (and dirt-cheap) reference book on all things Action Figure, or are looking for a primer on the first two decades of the hobby, run to your local bookstores and be sure to scope out the clearance racks.

There has been some emails going back and forth and miscommunication with some of the operators at Amazon.com as to whether they really had these in stock. Here is the email that I recevied last night that should clear this up.

Greetings from Amazon.com.

We thought you’d like to know that we shipped your items today, and that this completes your order.

“Have a great idea for a desktop wallpaper using your Star Wars collection of Hasbro toys? Well, if you are 18 or older, we want to see it. Send us a disk or cd of your wallpaper for an opportunity to have it posted on our website for everyone to see. This is your chance to be in the spotlight. Be creative with your wallpaper and be sure to only feature Hasbro products. Show us how much fun it is to collect Star Wars toys! If Hasbro thinks your submission will be of interest to other collectors, we may post it on our website.”

“The full trailer for Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones will soon arrive in theaters and starwars.com, but the world will get its first look at the two-and-a-half-minutes of brand new footage Sunday, March 10 on FOX television.

Shown in its entirety the full trailer, titled “Clone War,” will air between original episodes of “Malcom in the Middle” (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) and “The X-Files” (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The trailer will make its big screen debut with Ice Age beginning Friday, March 15.”

Looks like these are starting to hit your local Boscov’s. I know these stores are located in PA and IL, I am not sure of any other places. I have had emails from both states saying that they have found them. So it looks like they maybe hitting stores. Happy Hunting.

Gamespot.com reports that BioWare’s upcoming Star Wars RPG will be coming to the Xbox in addition to the PC.

Interesting note: the story takes place 4,000 years before the original Star Warswhich by my calculations puts the timeframe at the same time as Dark Horse’sTales of the Jedi comics. Should be neat to see what, if anything, is used from it.

According to a recent post on DVD supersite The Digital Bits, FOX-TV will be airing the fourth trailer for the prequel sequel on March 10 between Malcolm andX-Files. Which probably means it’ll be on the official site about ten minutes later.

In case you havn’t noticed, we are in the process of redoing our Visual Guides. We are putting the figures into a new format that gives people a better view of the figures, heres one for example.

We’re pretty proud of the images and are getting nothing but positive responses from our readers. We have recently put up 14 Episdoe 2 pics and the 4 preview figures. The 4 preview pics can be found under our POTJ Guide under thePreview Section Heading.

You can now preorder the Endor Vehicles set at Amazon for $29.99. It lists the availability as shipping within 24 hours, meaning it should be in stock and ready to go, which in turn should mean it may be in stores soon.

Sort of. According to Newsaskew.com, a fantastic site devoted to all things Smith, the man behind Walt Flannagan’s Dog has been offered a chance to write for Dark Horse’s Star Wars comic book line. Here’s hoping.

Aside from the usual array of unpainted MicroCollection die-cast metal figures (including some from the unreleased Bacta Chamber), here’s some other notable items.

Unproduced Qui-Gon Prototype
This is an auction for the Qui-Gon from the unreleased Qui-Gon/Battle Droid set, which was shown for release at Toy Fair the other week. Notable: the green Lightsaber sculpt looks like Qui-Gon’s, not Obi-Wan’s. It’s multicolored, pricey, and nice. The auction also shows an image of the original two-pack, which I must say looks quite nice.

Prototype Test Shot X-Wing 1978
This appears to be a test shot for the actual original 1978 X-Wing toy. The entire thing is in a white color that has yellowed in some parts… pretty nifty.

“I went to a book store at Fashion Place Mall in Murray Utah and they had lots of the 12″ Aurra Sing with book for only $19.99. Great deal specially since I couldn’t afford buying it for the original piece. Anyway, the book store is called Walden Books and there was probably about 20 of them left on Sunday Feb 24, at about 2:00 P.M.”

Considering the C-3PO set has pretty much dried up, it’s nice to see this take its place at retail… keep your eyes open!

The Private Universe wants to know, now that you’ve seen all the lists and pictures of the Episode II Attack of the Clones products due to hit the stores in a few months what you will be spending your money on? Will you be buying everything you can get your hands on or will you just stick to the 4″ figures perhaps? Click here for he poll.”

Pete over at ThePrivate Universe is giving away a set of tickets to Star Wars Day VI on Sunday 3rd March 2002, at the Honiton Sports Centre, Honiton, Devon, UK. The event is a one day Star Wars convention in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance and Honiton Hospiscare.

“Diamond Comics put up the information for the next Previews issue on their web site. The catalog has a lot of AotC stuff. You can view a list of all the items in text on the order form and see pictures of some stuff on the site:Catalog ; Order form ; Pictures of some itemsand more here

The Fan Club is no taking preorders for the Toy Fair Vader for $11.99 each for Fan Club Members ($14.99 for non-members). There is a limit of 2 per person per day, and 4 per person per week. Order fast before they’re gone!!!!

UPDATE: As of Sunday morning, the Fan Club shows Vader out of stock. Thanks to Yak Reader Chris for the heads-up.

The Death Star Plans has infiltrated a TRU computer, and found out the following information; Toys R’Us will be having a special 12″ Exclusive Mace Windu. We here at Yak have previously heard nothing of this, but, of it’s accurate, it’s still good news. Check out the information on DSP’s forums.

There is one week left to enter the drawing for the free POTJ deluxe Amanaman MOMC give away at Jedi Aries’ Tattoine Aline Cantina! Hurry on over and enter today! While you’re there don’t forget to cast your vote in their new poll regarding Episode II. You can visit their Alien Cantina by clicking here!

My good friend Vaughn from over at Sandtroopers.com has written to let us all know that they are holding a new contest. Vaughn Writes;

Here’s the day you’ve all been waiting for… I’m pleased to announce our latest giveaway…

An Exclusive 2002 NYC Toy Fair Darth Vader

Entering is simple. Just email your Name, Mailing Address, and Email Address to contest@sandtroopers.com. Thats it… All I ask is only one entry per person (multiple entries will be discarded!) The winner will be announced on Saturday, February 23rd.”

What a generous gesture! Good luck to all that enter, and while you’re over there registering for this cool treat, check their page out. I’ve always liked their work myself, and there’s a lot of neat things always happening over there!

Over the past day we’ve gotten a lot of questions about the coming Toy Fair 2002 Darth Vader that is to be offered through the fan club. I’ve checked into this with various sources, and below are some answers to generalized questions I’ve received;

Will it be on different packaging?

No, it will most definitely be on the same card-back that was offered at Toy Fair.

Will it be a different sculpt?

No, it will be the exact same item that was offered at Toy Fair 2002. No deviation, you will not be able to tell one purchased from the fan club as opposed to the one given away at the 2002 Fair.

They will only be selling what is left over from Toy Fair.

This is scalper propoganda. No, they are producing at least 5000 of these babies, probably more. So don’t listen to greedy auction listings claiming to have the only “genuine article”. Patience!

Will they be offering another one at the Celebration II, and will it be offered through the fan club as well?

Probably and probably. That’s the best answer that can be given at this time. Let’s face it folks, it’s the 25th Anniversary. They are BOUND to do something out in Indiana. Personally, I can’t go to the Celebration II, but if I could see a figure come out of it, I’d love to see a chromed Clonetrooper or Jango. That’s nothing I’ve heard, just the wishes of a demented fan.

So folks, again, don’t pay e-Bay prices! There will more than likely be enough to go around, not unlike the latest Bespin Freeze Chamber offering. Still, they say that they will be limited, so to be on the safe side, when you see that they’re being offered I would order it as soon as I could. Even though they do a shipment of these things, they do tend to sell out quickly before Hasbro can make more to satisfy demand. Give the fan club time, and for God’s sake, don’t pay too much for one of these! You’ll be very sorry in the long run, unless you’re incredibly rich and don’t care. ‘Nuff said.

The Fan’s Choice figure #3, Ephant Mon, has officially been started for production at Hasbro! What appears to be blueprints is actually a 2-D model called a “sculpt input”, and it is used to later create a wax 3-D model, otherwise known in the trade as a prototype. Some good stuff over at Hasbro, so check it out!

Gadders.com are proud to announce, through Yakface.com, their first ever competition! The prize is a wonderful signed photograph of Jeremy Bulloch and Boba Fett, signed by Mr. Bulloch himself. The competition is free to enter, so check them out for more information.

Wonderful news folks! Hasbro has officially announced that, through the fan club, they will be offering a limited number of the Silver Anniversary Toy Fair 2002 Exclusive Darth Vader for sale to the general public. Please people, do not pay outrageous amounts for this item on e-Bay, it will be coming very soon, and chances are very good that there will be enough to go around. So, bide your time, young Jedi, remember the phrase that beats out scalpers;“Patience Pays…”

The Official Star Wars Site has posted an article about 2 upcoming Random House Episode II books. They look pretty snazzy, actually! The first, more geared for kids, is the Episode II story book. This one harkens back to the days of the ROTJ storybook with that now famous picture of Luke on top of the Sail Barge trying to escape! The second is the Attack of the Clones Scrapbookwhich seems to me to be more-or-less mirroring the Episode I Visual Dictionary. Either way, if you want to read more about these, head on over!

It seems that way! We here at Yak, (following up reports we made a couple days ago), have confirmed that this is, in fact, a preview toy to be added to the Episode II roster. The strange thing is that our Yak insider source tells me that this was not supposed to hit store shelves until the middle of March. It just goes to show that if a retail chain receives cases of something and they have the available shelf space, they will put the item out for sale, release-date rules or not. So folks, if you’re one of the lucky ones who finds this a bit early, congrats! Actually, it’s been hitting across the US in a big way, if our e-mail reports are anything to go by. Thanks to all who have written in about this!

First off I must apologize to all those who wrote directly to me last week to ask where the next prototype image was. The truth of the matter is that I decided to hold off a week due to the incredible bandwidth being used for our Toy Fair 2002 images. Now with that out of the way, I bring you the next feature from the 2001 Collectors Guide!… Click here to see the lowdown on The Millennium Falcon Cargo Hauler!

“Today at the Walpole Mass. Walmart they had a whole end cap with lego jedi starfighter from Episode 2. the cost was 19.97. I dont know if this was an oversight or what I didnt think that stores could put Episode 2 stuff out yet but who knows?”

A few of the sets have leaked to eBay, so it looks like the preview sets could very well be leaking. While I am not sure what Lego’s policy was, I know Hasbro was planning on releasing their stuff in late March, so this could be a pretty good early leak.

In our never-ending quest to keep you abreast of all things grotesque, we foundthis auction with images of a Jabba Homer– if you can call him that– and a Slave Leia Marge custom figure set. The Marge, essentially a repainted Christmas Marge, is actually kinda neat for what it is. It’s worth a look-see.

The newest Star Wars collectible from Hasbro’s Playskool division is now in stock. The All In One Adventures 1 Set (Item# HS2651AA, $36.99) includes 1x X-Wing Adventure Playset and 1x Duel with Darth Maul Playset. Quantities are limited. Order now!”

The CD ROM figures shown earlier are showing up in the new assortments, just like Hasbro said they would. Darth Vader (Bespin Duel) and Luke Skywalker (Bespin Duel) are both listed and arer the only figures on the list obviously derived from the original trilogy. Also, the SRP on the figures is now $5.99-$6.99, meaning there will most likely be no price increase this time around. And this is indeed most welcome.

MicroMachines Action Fleet Vehicles are listed as making a return, although only three ships are listed: the Falcon, the X-Wing, and the TIE Fighter (not Darth’s TIE, but this could be an oversight on their part.)

Star Wars Unleashed will be around $15 each and around 7-inches tall. And the Republic Gunship will only be $40, so everything coming out this time seems a heck of a lot cheaper.

With Every Question For Justice, Yakface.com’s very own forum for questions and pie recipies, has been updated with everything that makes it what it is. Including more potshots at BoShek. Read and enjoy, kids!

My good friend Chris from Jundlandwastes.com would like us here at Yak to alert everyone that he’s giving away a LEGO Jedi Starfighter! The rules? You must submit an image of your custom Lego Star Wars creation, and the best one wins. Nice and simple! These as-of-yet unreleased Starfighters, (some are being found now and again, but they are still officially unreleased), are nice little items, and the chance to have one now is enough to make me dig out the ol’ colored blocks and start building. The deadline for entries will be Saturday, March 2nd at midnight EST. Good luck to all!

LucasArts has finally released the long-anticipated “Star Wars – Racer Revenge”for the Playstation 2, the follow-up game that continues where “Star Wars – Racer” left off! Also, in what I think a very generous offer, LucasArts is offering a freebie to all those who order from the LucasArts Store. The blurb on the official page goes like this;

“Star Wars Racer Revenge Available Now!
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC is pleased to announce that Star Wars Racer Revenge (PlayStation®2) is now available! You can get your copy at the LucasArts Company Store or a fine retailer near you. Order from the Company Store today and receive Star Wars®: Episode I The Phantom Menace® for PlayStation FREE, plus FREE shipping & handling!”

So, if you want to get this awesome title, head on over and grab it! 2-for-1 ain’t bad these days, especially from a site offering free shipping for a new title.

Yak-Fan “theron” writes us to let us know that he’s found a variant on the new Zutton figure. He writes;

I found this last night and thought it might be a real variation. A Wal-mart in Dallas had several cases of the zutton wave (all for .75 @ – which was really great). I noticed that some of the snaggletooth heads were light tan colored plastic with flesh colored paint ops and some were a darker tan plastic with small amounts of darker paint ops. What leads me to believe that this is a running variation is that all of the darker ones (8 total) were on a 13441 date stamp. The lighter ones were all (8 total) on 13231 and earlier date stamps.

Yak-reader “Jason” has written us, along with a few other isolated reports in the past few days, that basic POTJ figures are being found at Wal-Mart for anywhere between 25-75 cents each. Good luck on the hunt for this steep discount, because at 25 cents, that 32 figures for $8.36! If anyone else has found deals like this, or can provide a scanned receipt, let us know! The best part? The figures being found at this price have included the Zutton and FX-7 wave!

That’s right– no auction, no sales, just a totally free Toy Fair Exclusive Darth Vader. Chris at The Jawa is giving his AWAY!!!!! (OK well not totally for nothing you do have to expend some effort and enter the Jawa’s latest contest). To enter click here. Good Luck.

We typically are against posting collections up for sale. This one however stikes me as interesting. For someone like me that never got into the 12″ figures and seeing the new 12″ for Ep2 and you thought about trying to catch up. This auction has EVERY 12″ figure from 1995, including store exclusives. The set is loose and complete. Check it out if you are interested. I was surprised to see that there are 127 figures. Man that is a lot.

In the latest EW magazine, this is a small tidbit about the upcoming E.T. re-release. I found this amusing. “America’s favorite squat, cuddly alien with bad skin is back – and no, we’re not talking about ALF. DIgitally cleaned (and sanitized of firearms), the new print will feature never-before-seen, which we hope will help explain E.T.’s presence in the Galactic Senate of Star Wars: Episode 1.

This article on the official site lists Dark Horse’s upcoming line-up and one of the new additions is a 336-page tome chock full of recolored classic Marvel Star Wars books due out this June!

Entitled Star Wars: A Long Time Ago…, this new series “will collect every Marvel Comics story in eight trade paperback volumes.” The original Marvel run (in the United States, at least) spanned 107 regular issues and three “annuals” as well as a pair of books based on the old Ewoks and Droids cartoons and a mini-series for Return of the Jedi. It’s unlikely, however, that the ‘toon books or the movie adaptations will be making the cut for this new series, which reduces the number of issues that will most likely be collected in this series to 95. (Heck, that’s still a whole bunch.)

This first volume should be of particular interest to fans because of a giant green carnivorous rabbit named Jaxxon which, legend has it, was suggested to Marvel’s creative team by none other than George Lucas. The cost of this first book in this collection and its specific contents are still unknown.

Some fans might recognize the name of the series: in 1999, Dark Horse reprinted some classic titles in six-part miniseries of black-and-white reproductions Marvel reissues. Since these were a little hard to come by, well, the series will be new to most of us. (Unless you read the books from 1977-1985.)

The official site also lists May’s line-up: Jango Fett- Open Seasons #2, Attack of the Clones #3 & #4, and Star Wars #42.

Word from the Hasbro Toy Fair room has it that the TIE Bomber, damaged Snowspeeder, and AT-ST/Speederbike combo have been shipped to their respective retaillers and should show up in the next month or so. Keep those eyes peeled!

For the convinience of our readers, we moved all of our Toyfair 2002 coverage to a new page. It’s a little rough now, but all the images are there, as well as some great new information you might not have heard elsewhere yet.

URGENT: Just spoke with Hasbro about the figure and I have been told that this figure WILL BE available at the Fan Club and will most likely be in the same packaging. So I would recommend that if you have placed a bid on any of the ones that have shown up on EBAY, to retract that bid. Don’t overpay for something you will be able to get soon enough. THIS IS CONFIRMED!!!!!

Also, many thanks to SSG for posting his on EBAY. Way to help out the collectors. Always on the lookout he is…..

We apologize for the delay in the site over the past day. Our site has been disrupted for many reasons. One of which I need to address. If you currently have a website that is posting DIRECT links to our site, PLEASE PULL THEM DOWN! Just post a link to the page and send them to look at the images. I do not like writing these posts, nor should I have to. I thank you for your time, look forward to a post from me about my thoughts on Toyfair 2002 and my reaction to the latest exclusive figure….

In the next hour or so, we here at Yak will be posting highlights of Episode II coverage direct from Toy Fair 2002 with images that are only hours old! Stay tuned and keep checking back! Some good stuff coming that we’ve been literally waiting years for!!!

An unproduced Opee Sea Killer plush toy is up for grabs on eBay and ends tomorrow. It’s a pretty neat looking item, and only the second time I’ve seen one (possibly the same one) up for sale. It’s currently $199.99 with no bids, but even if you don’t have the money for this one, it’s really something neat to see.

“Here is an E-mail I just received from Jeanette Keblish, Sales & Marketing Manager of the Celebration II.

Hi Michael, we are looking for a spot to park the trailer and model outside the convention center. It is looking very promising. In fact it is a 95% done deal so with that in mind we were hoping you would be able to have it in Indy before Thursday 5/2 at 10 am. We are hoiping to stage a media event with your model and the 501st legion of Stormtroopers. What do you think the possibility of you being able to be there with your model by that time?”

I’ve been alerted to some items on e-Bay, (no, not Episode II stuff… directly), and both are cool and weird at the same time. The irony of it all? They’re both naked to some degree. Yes, folks, N-A-K-E-D. These 2 people do not know each other and are not connected. Talk about coincidence! Still, they look good.

The first auction we were alerted to was a garage-kit Yoda. This one can kind of be spoilerish if you’re really trying to stay away from everything, so beware. In lieu of the circumstance, I won’t tell much about it, but believe me, it’s weird.

The second one is a custom Jana Fett. No folks, that’s right, JANA Fett. It’s a custom 12″ of Boba Fett’s sister. Miss anything in the EU? I don’t think so! This item is totally the brain-child of one “quad-cats”, e-Bay user. This one’s a bit racy, so beware…

After seeing this lot, I think I may need a little “lie-down” somewhere… Seriously guys, good custom work, keep it up!

“I’m sure they’ll will be much better pictures in the coming days, but I thought I would let you guys know that the Seattle Times Business (2/8/02) section had a couple of photos from the Toy Fair preview, with one including pics of a 3 3/4″ Orn Free Ta, Jango Fett & what looked like Sae Sae Tinn. Sorry no scanner to send the photos.”

With Every Question For Justice has been updated yet again, and my eyes feel like they’re going to pop out of my head so it’s time for bed. Read ye the questions and send in some more for next week’s award-winning updates!

The Game Of Life – A Jedi’s Path February 7, 2002 | 12:05 PM EST | John

StarWars.com has posted another tidbit of upcoming Episode II merchandise. Remember the old Game of Life boardgame? Well, it’s coming back with a small twist. In the tradition of Star Wars Monopoly, The Game of Life takes a classic board game and works Star Wars mythology into it. You start life as a Padawan, and collect skill tiles along the way, and hope to end up a Jedi… I always wanted to retire and spend my golden years in the “Rodian Roadhouse for The Retired Reckless Jedi”. Okay, maybe not. But check out the official site for an image of the game box and more information on the game itself.

XGR.Com has posted a couple pretty tempting screen-shots of Jedi Knight II; Jedi Outcast. Also there you will find a plethora of information about the game including a Q&A session with Brett Tosti, one of the game producers. Jedi Knight II; Jedi Outcast is due out this spring with a definite release date still pending.

Think you don’t have the skills to create your own Diorama? Well, there are no more excuses! Now it’s easier then ever to bring a piece of Niubniub home. The Blueprints Section works in conjunction with Niubniub’s Download Section to help you more easily recreate the same Dioramas you see here on my site. Just save them on to your desktop, print, trace, cut and assemble your foamcore. Then, download the appropriate decals (from Niubniub’s Download Section) print and apply. Instant Diorama! Niubniub has really outdone himself this time. This guy does some excellent work, so if you haven’t seen his page, check it out. He’s making this as easy as possible to introduce fans to the wonderful world of Star Wars diorama making, and his newest section is proof. Kudos Niubniub! I’ll be over later to download some of your good stuff… Hoth is calling… Again, to visit his newest Blueprints section, click here!

Decipher is currently making a generous offer on their website. For a limited time, when you buy a display box of any Decipher Star Wars CCG/TCG product from your local retailer you’ll get a free display box directly from Decipher for just the cost of shipping and handling. Not too shabby for those looking to build a bit of a collection without all the cash. You may want to check out the offer at their official website for complete details. Thanks to “wookieeater” for the heads-up!

IGN.Com has posted some interesting screenshots of the “AOTC” Nintendo Gameboy Advance game coming this spring in conjunction with the release of the movie! Hop on over to check out the article and see these new images. Thanks to “ysalamiri13” for the tip!

The Official Star Wars Site has posted a nice new juicy bit about the movie adaptation for Attack Of The Clones that describes a little more of the storyline that what the average non-spoiler enthusiast would have in their head as common knowledge. So, if you’re really sensative, stay away, yadda yadda, you know the drill. Otherwise, head on over.

Darth Agiline and the Aliens at Jedi Aries’ Tattoine Alien Cantina are giving away a “POTJ Deluxe Amanaman MOMC” for the February free drawing! Please head on over and enter today! Also, The Aliens have just put up a new POLL! The POLL is in regards to Episode II! Head on over an cast your VOTE!

Pete over at The Private Universe has just posted an exclusive TPU review from the UK Toy Fair, including some information on the WOTC TCG and RPG. The 2002 UK Toy Fair has, at time of writing this, been going for a few days now. At the Excel Centre in London’s Docklands for the second time, it has settled nicely into the new venue. With Monsters Inc. taking up pretty much every available inch of space, ‘minor’ licences such as The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars were a tad tucked away.

Still, Episode Two did feature on three stands he found on his six hour whirlwind tour of the facilities, and the atmosphere on all things Star Wars was much more positive than last year. The main points of presence for E2 were the open Wizards of the Coast stand and the closed Hasbro/Tiger stand.

After missing Monday because I was tired, With Every Question For Justicehas been updated with questions, answers, and a nice big tirade about how friggin’ great it is to be a fan of Star Wars toys this year. (Magnets, people… magnets!!!)

As I promised last week, I’m posting a couple more shots from my much raved over 2001 Collectors Guide. You can order this thing from gayne@aol.com, and like I’d said before, it’s well worth it!
With the authors permission, I’m posting another couple of vintage prototypes from the book. I can’t believe how many of you wrote in saying how much you really enjoyed last weeks AT-IC feature, so we’ll keep it up for a bit. It really is a refreshing deviation from the Episode II barrage. This week I thought I’d hit the figure realm, and believe me, these are beauties! Head on over to see these in full bounty. Makes you wonder where the vintage toy line would have gone had it continued for just one more year.

I’ve just gotten back from a week’s vacation at Disney World in Orlando, and have some Star Wars and can confim some rumors we’ve all been reading for a while Over a year ago we started hearing rumors that the Star Tours Ride at Disneyland in California and Disney’s MGM Grand Studio Tours was scheduled to be revised with a totally new film. I can confirm first hand that a “rehab” as Disney calls it is in the works for at least the Florida’s Star Tours. When I was on the backlot ride at MGM, which goes through a number of their departments– i.e. costuming etc– the guide made a very interesting announcement as we went through the blacklight painting room. They were working on new backgrounds for STAR TOURS. If you have any more info, send it in.

We’ve recently been made privy to this auction which shows, as far as we know, the very first public images of what would have been the Freeze Frame Ponda Baba packaging.

In 1998, Hasbro decided not to make the figure on the new package after printing up various catalogs and other materials making mention of the figure. So seeing the cardback– even with the Removable Helmet Darth Vader figure and slide on it– is a real treat. Fans of the unusual, don’t miss this one.

Magazine Vanity Fair will be publishing another round of Annie Lebovitz’ photography, this time for Attack of the Clones. The Anakin/Padme cover and a quick blurb about the upcoming issue is posted at the official site, so check it out!

After this weekend’s glut of new imagery hitting the web, Lego has added another to the mix: the upcoming Technic Super Battle Droid. Check it out at Lego.com. The set will be available this May, so says the site.

Perceptive Bionicle junkies may have noticed the set incorporates recolored pieces from the recently released Tahnok (hands) and Tahnok Va (head) sets in addition to the usual compliment of parts.

DeathStarPlans.com has informed us at Yak that they are holding their first give-away! They write;

“Deathstarplans.com is having its first ever
“Give-Away”. We are giving away a free Episode 1
Tatooine Darth Maul w/ the rare black vest variation
MOC. The black vested Darth Mauls were the hardest to
find, in fact almost impossible to locate. Here is you
chance to get this one for free. Anyone can enter!”

If you haven’t been there, check it out! They offer a very nicely put-together page, and are most definitely a welcome addition amongst the Star Wars Collecting Community. But hey, while you’re there, register for that Maul!

Maybe you’re a big Space Balls fan, or Hardware Wars has always made you crack a smile. Whatever spoof is you’re favorite, be prepared to get creative. Have a favorite Star Wars Spoof or Parody, that you always wanted to make a character from? Well nows your chance to do it, and maybe win a cool prize. Be creative. Be original. But most of all be fun!Head on over to the site for the official rules of the contest, and where to send pictures of your custom “spoof” figures. Good luck!

There’s something that’s been building in me for a few days, and I feel I must address our fine readers about this e-Bay situation. If you’re not interested, please scan down to the next article.

Still here? Good! First off I’d like to sincerely thank all of our great readers that scan e-Bay with a fine-tooth comb to report to us about all the Episode II action figure auctions. It really is appreciated and is a great service to all the readers of our page and the Star Wars collecting community. Thank you!

What I’ve been noticing, especially in the past couple of days, is the apparent greed that has been hitting e-Bay with total reckless abandon. However, I’m glad to see that most of you are staying away. I can see the first couple sets of these things selling out at high prices, but to continue trying to sell these as-of-yet unreleased action figures for prices in excess of $500 for 8 figures is insanity topped only by the person paying it. These are plastic toys when it comes right down to it, folks, that will be in stores within weeks. Please, don’t jump on the “gotta-have-it” bandwagon and pay seriously overinflated prices for these toys when you can have them in a little while for a fraction of what these, (and let’s call them what they are), SCALPERS are trying to get for them. This is nothing more than a ploy of greed, and I hope that all of you will be smart enough to not be a party to it.

It seemed like one person got the shipment of cases early, figured, “What the heck, I’ll try them on e-Bay. What’s the worst that could happen?”, and then after others in the same situation saw what they were going for they did the same. $500 for 8 figures. That one killed me. Do the math folks, that’s $62.50 per figure. I could see for vintage, but not for something that’s probably going to be a peg-warmer by August through over-production. Can we say “The Phantom Menace“?

Please, fine readers, don’t patronize these greedy folks, I implore you. All you will be doing is showing them that if, (after the films release with accompanying subsequent assortments), they can make it to the store before you, you’ll pay what they ask on e-Bay. That’s what makes it so frustrating when you go into Wal-Mart and can’t find the latest assortment of figures because some fool walked in moments before so he could purchase the five cases just put out and toss them on e-Bay. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks for listening folks.

From Bricks To Bothans has posted a very large image of upcoming Episode IILego sets that are due out in a couple months. These things look great, emulating the quality that you’ve come to expect from Star Wars Lego sets. Kudos to the creators! These carry the same generic spoiler warning as all posts referring to images associated with Episode II, so be wary if you’re sensative. Otherwise, enjoy!

The german based internet site StarconstruX has updated their site with a download area. You will find there more than 50 custom made cards for action figures from Thorsten Heiss. Another new feature is the 360-degree turn of the custom made figures. You have now the possibility to view the figures as an animated .GIF from all sides and of course you will find some new figures for example General Veers, Doalyn from Jabba’s palace, and Senator Palpatine from Episode II. Click here to check them out!

More Episode II Show Up On e-BayFebruary 2, 2002 | 12:59 PM EST | John

Now the two initial Deluxe figures have been placed up for auction on e-Bay. They are (highlight to read) Mace Windu with blast-apart battle droid, andJango Fett with removable armor. They look pretty decent, but you can see that they’re made as core-charachters for the primary market. And those prices! Wow! Looks like someone needs to take a “reality check” pill. Although, I’m sure someone will purchase them. Click here to see the auctions.

Still need these sets? You’re in luck! That is, someone will be in luck.JediChris.net’s newest give-away is for the three 25th Anniversary 2-packs this time around, so head over for details of how to enter the drawing for these cool sets. Good luck to all who enter, and thanks to Chris, (who else?) fromJediChris.net for informing us of his contest!

StarWarsKids.com came up with a cute little idea of making e-valentine cards for kids that are of the Star Wars persuasion to send to each other. For the adult collector it means moreover that we can see some new images of the upcoming May film! Click here to check these out, and hey, send one to someone you love… *ahem* We now return you to news that doesn’t make you nautious…

Autograph Central has posted some nice big images of Episode II Promo cards coming from Topps. There are only the three of them up, set Promo Cards P1, P2, P3, and the generalized back of the card telling about the flick, but they look pretty nice from what we can see. Check them out, if you dare. Not too much on the spoiler level with these, (like the one above, it offers nothing more than the official site has confirmed so far, visually that is), but if you’re super-sensative, just steer clear. Thanks goes to “Grand Moff X” for the heads-up on this one!

This time, Nobletoy has six of the “Collection 2” figures up for auction on e-Bay! I won’t list them here, because, as always, they’re spoilers for a bit yet. But you can click here to go directly to the auction listing. Remember folks, don’t pay an outrageous price just to own them first. In the long run, when everybody’s got them, will it really matter? Just my five-cents worth of free advice there.

Interested in seeing some of the new Droids and other minifigs that come with the ship? Well, head on over to StarWars.com and take a gander at the preview. It looks like a fairly big set, and since it shows new characters, don’t go if you don’t want to see them.

Nobletoys, (the ones who had the Episode II toys up for auction yesterday), now has the images posted right on their site with greater clarity. Click here to see these soon-to-be wide release figures! Along with that, they also, (in a non-spoiler flavor), have carded images of BoShek, Teebo, and R4-M9.

UPDATE – The images, (along with the entire website), seem to be having a down-time. This is more than likely due to exceeding bandwidth with everyone trying to view these juicy images all at once. More on this as we get it.

Lego’s Star Wars Page has posted two pretty nifty images of the upcoming (highlight to read spoilers) Jango Fett’s Slave I with Jango Fett and Boba Fett figures, and The Jedi Starfighter with Obi-Wan figure. They are presented in Shockwave, so you can spin these suckers around, zoom in, zoom out, eat them with apple-butter, etc. Pretty nice looking! Click on over to see them in all their colored-block glory.

Yes, it’s true… These two auction are based in Hong Kong, and it sounds like they’re actually “in hand”. Doesn’t make much difference now because they’re both sold, but they guy has posted images of all 8 figures carded! To see both of these, click here or here. Major spoilers lie ahead, so beware as usual.

With Every Question For Justice has been updated with 10 questions and answers… want to know which Jedi Council members are returning for the prequel sequel? So do we. But we’ve got a complete-as-we-can-make-it answer for ya in today’s update, and more!

Droid figures Imperial “RM-49” and Episode II “R3-T7” (R3-T7 is an Episode II spoiler, folks, so beware!) have also appeared on e-Bay in the last 24 hours, so if you’re feeling plucky, click here to see them. These figures are claimed to be “in-hand”, so it seems like it should be Ok, but check out the location before bidding. These puppies would be coming from Singapore which will be more shipping for Air. And please people, just a footnote, but never accept Surfaceshipping from other countries. It can take up to 8-12 weeks.

“The now-ancient R2-Q5 wave arrived at my local Kmart within the past few days, which leads me to believe that their distribution centers are probably scraping the bottom of the warehouse looking for something to send out in light of the recent Chapter 11 situation… looks like Kmart might yield some interesting finds in the weeks ahead…. thought you might find it interesting.”

We certainly did, and thanks for the input. He’s right, as they get to the bottom of the proverbial barrel, well, I wouldn’t be surprised to find a few odds-and-ends here and around. Also, if they’re overstocked on POTJ’s, watch for closeout on them. It’s funny to say, but K-Mart actually, (and I’ve been told this by higher-ups), starts stocking for Christmas around March. That means the old has to go to make place for the new, and in this case, Episode II items. Good luck!

Hasbro.com is highlighting another new Episode II toy on it’s site today, this time not being action figure oriented. It’s called the Jedi Dex, (being a word-play on index I guess), and it actually looks kind of snazzy. They claim that the Jedi Dex is a small electronic encyclopedia that contains information on characters, droids, alien species, vehicles, and weapons from Episode II. Also, it includes information and graphic images of over 60 characters and paraphenalia from the original Trilogy. Functions on this thing also include an organizer, an address book, alarm clock, scheduler, calculator, personal lists, trivia game. To read more on this little item Hasbro is putting out through Tiger Electronics, click here. Looks neat, but I have visions of this thing being $30+ when it comes out in late April, and by July it’ll be sitting with the Electronic Pod Race Game from Episode I… you know, the one with the “exclusive” Anakin figure? Uh-huh.

A quartet of figures were “accidentally” shipped to stores as Episode II preview figures courtesy of a vendor screw-up or a way to unload old stock. As a result, comic shops and stores in the Media Play/Suncoast/Sam Goody family have received…

With all the auctions up on eBay lately advertising the AOTC preview figures as “in-hand,” take special care to look for the phrase “presell” hidden in the auction text. Many of the auctions I’ve seen claim to have the four figures available now, yet will not ship for a month or more and often do not have any images, meaning that your $50 bid might make you one of the first people to get these figures… after you had the chance to see them in Toys “R” Us.

With that in mind, people like this seller (the guy we mentioned earlier) has three of the four up now, with some very nice images of the figures in their packages.

Considering these should be widely available by the end of March, be sure to read the fine print of these auctions… there’s nothing worse than paying a premium to get something early only to have to end up waiting anyway.

I was casually browsing around e-Bay, and lo and behold I ran across these auctions. It seems that the Episode II Preview figures are starting to dribble out to the secondary market. If that’s the case, it’s only a matter of time before they hit the retail chains!

Just for a bit of eye-candy for all our faithful Yak-readers, I got permission from the creators of the 2001 Collectors Guide, (which is still available throughgayne@aol.com for $13.99 shipped), to post some of their many cool prototype images in the book for all our Yakkers to see! Click here to see the full size of the image above along with a bit of a description of what might have been. I know it’s different, but it’s a bit of a deviation from all the Episode II news, and a little something different. Enjoy!

Faithful Yak-reader “MattYUK” has sent us a full report from the UK Toy Fair, happening from January 26th Through the 30th in England. His listing is as spoiler-ific (is that a word?) as you can get, so highlight to read. It fills in the holes that were sent in the report a few posts below from yesterday. Highlight to read;
Zam Wesell
Padme Amidala (Arena Escape)
Anakin Skywalker (Outland Peasant Disguise)
Jango Fett
Battle Droid
Super Battle Droid
Boba Fett (standard and deluxe)
Tusken Raider w/child
C-3PO (with attachable coverings)
R2-D2
Taua We
Orn Free Ta
Shaak Ti
Mace Windu
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Coruscant Chase)
Count Dooku
Padme
The Reek
Vehicles for the 3-3/4″ figures included Obi-Wan’s Jedi Starfighter, Slave 1 (with new paint job), Anakin’s speeder and Zam Wesell’s Speeder. The new Star Wars Unleashed series was present, as were a bunch of electronic games and toys. Both Anakin’s and Count Dooku’s full-size light sabres were there to be played with, along with 12″ figures of Anakin, Obi-Wan and Clone Trooper.
Most impressive (unbelievably) was the Episode II Monopoly set! Why? Well, the box, the board and the cards all featured real spoiler material I’d never seen before such as pics of the Jedi Library, Yoda brandishing a light sabre, Clone Troopers in action. Republic Gunships, Dooku’s Solar Sail and more.

Thank you “MattYUK”! Anyone else have anything to add, like images/pictures? If you do, don’t be afraid to send them in!

The Official Site has images posted of the new 138-piece Jedi Starfighter from Episode II. They’re claiming that Lego fans “don’t have to wait too long for their first Episode II set”. Hmmm, does this mean that Legos are on a different release schedule from Hasbro’s stringent rules? Click on over to see this beauty!

Chewbacca (Dejarik) Unreleased CommTech Chip
This item is notable because it’s one of the unproduced chips that was to have “twice the speech.” This auction is especially cool because it has a .wav file with the chip’s sounds on it.

POTF2 Carbonite Prototype
This preproduction piece is actually different than the one released around the Shadows of the Empire era. Worth a look.

Not as clumsy or random as a blaster… Jedigear.com!January 28, 2002 | 12:13 AM EST | John

Once in a while I find a page I like to highlight on Yakface. Whether it be a small homepage, or a big business. This one seems to fall somewhere in the middle.
We all like to go to conventions and toy shows, and we all know that some of us like to dress up as our favorite charachter. Well, if you ever tried to build your own lightsaber, you know how tedious it can be trying to find parts. L